My Weekly Marketing

40 Episodes
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By: Janice Hostager

Join conversations about marketing, business, and life-in-between with marketing strategist Janice Hostager and a variety of world-class entrepreneurs! We will fill you with step-by-step training, marketing strategy, and life experiences from where life and business intersect.  We'd love to have you join the fun! 

The Simple 3-Step Plan to Get Consistent Customers
#146
Last Tuesday at 1:00 AM

In this episode, I talk about what to do when your marketing feels busy but not consistent. If you’re juggling posts, emails, and updates without steady sales, I share a simpler three-part path to turn scattered tactics into a system you can actually sustain. This is about clarity, visibility, and conversion working together instead of competing for your time.

We walk through how to get clear on who you serve and what you offer, how to become findable in the right places, and how to create conversion moments that feel natural instead of forced. I also sh...


How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy with Danny Bobrow
#145
02/10/2026

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Bobrow to rethink sales in a way that feels ethical, human, and grounded. We talk about why so many good people tense up around selling and how that usually comes from learning the rules the wrong way. Danny breaks down how leading with care, clarity, and collaboration helps people make confident decisions without pressure or gimmicks.

We also walk through practical moments inside real conversations: how to open without manipulation, translate what you offer into outcomes people actually care about, and recognize when a yes isn’t quite a ye...


How to Use Storytelling to Build a Strong Brand with Deevo Tindall
#144
02/03/2026

In this episode, I sit down with Deevo Tindall to talk about what brand really means beyond logos and colors. We unpack how lived experience shapes positioning, why every touchpoint matters, and how clarity helps attract the right clients while naturally repelling the wrong ones. This is a grounded conversation about building trust through consistency, not hype.

We also dig into origin stories, values, and the problem your business exists to solve. Deevo walks through how to turn personal experience into a clear, compelling message and why your brand should feel aligned everywhere it shows up. If...


Why the Marketing Funnel Never Worked for Me (And What I Built Instead)
01/27/2026

In this episode, I talk about why doing more marketing isn’t always the answer when growth feels stuck. After years in big-company marketing and building my own business, I’ve learned that sequencing matters more than volume. When your actions line up with where your customer actually is, your effort starts to compound instead of disappearing.

I walk through a trail-based approach that reflects real buying behavior, not a rigid funnel. We cover how to build trust at the right pace, create low-risk next steps, and strengthen delivery so your marketing keeps working even when you step...


5 Hidden Marketing Gaps That Are Quietly Draining Your Revenue
#142
01/20/2026

In this episode, I talk about why marketing can feel busy while sales stay flat. I break down five quiet gaps that drain momentum without you realizing it, from unclear messaging to missing tracking. This is about spotting leaks, not working harder.

I walk through how to sharpen who your offer is for, align one clear message across platforms, and match your content to where buyers actually are in their decision process. I share practical examples you can apply right away, including how to simplify your pitch and track what’s truly driving revenue. If you want yo...


The Real Cure for Marketing Overwhelm
#141
01/13/2026

In this episode, we talk about what to do when marketing feels nonstop but results still feel out of reach. I share a simple system to cut through the noise, reduce overwhelm, and focus on the work that actually moves the needle. Instead of adding more tasks, this conversation is about choosing what matters and letting the rest go.

We walk through practical steps to help you plan realistically, prioritize with intention, and create momentum without burning out. I also share how small, consistent actions can compound over time when your energy is focused in the right...


How to Set Marketing Goals That Work for Your Business
#140
01/06/2026

In this episode, I share a practical way to set marketing goals without the pressure to do everything at once. We talk about how to stop glorifying hustle, focus on one clear outcome for the next six to eight weeks, and build goals that are grounded in real conversion data instead of vague intentions. This is about creating momentum you can actually see and measure.

I walk through how to map your year realistically, choose goals that support your offers, and track the actions that truly drive results. We also cover simple planning habits that help you...


Why They Chose your Competitor Instead of You
#139
12/23/2025

In this episode, I unpack why prospects can seem fully on board and still end up buying from someone else. We look at how buyer psychology, emotion, and clarity shape decisions far more than price or credentials, and what that means for how you position and present your offers. If you’ve ever felt confused by “almost yes” conversations, this will help you see what’s really happening.

We also talk through common myths around pricing, value, and competition, and why friction often matters more than features. I share how small shifts in messaging, delivery, and brand percepti...


Using Micro Influencers To Get Major Results with Sarah Stahl
#138
12/16/2025

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Stahl to talk about why creator partnerships work and how small service businesses can use them without big budgets or awkward pitches. We unpack how trust-led stories often outperform cold outreach and ads, and why the right creator can shorten the path from interest to decision in a very real way.

We also walk through how to find aligned creators, what to look for beyond follower count, and how to build partnerships that feel natural for both sides. Sarah shares practical guidance on getting started, measuring results, and keeping...


Getting Results with PPC Ads with Andy Janaitis
#137
12/09/2025

In this episode, I talk with strategist Andy Janaitis of PPC Pitbulls to bring clarity back to paid ads. If you’re tired of pouring money into dashboards with nothing to show for it, Andy breaks down how to choose the right platform, structure smarter campaigns, and turn small budgets into real results. We walk through the difference between intent-based traffic on Google and demand-generation on Meta, and how a simple pairing of awareness ads plus retargeting can move people from scrolling to booking.

We also get into clean measurement, stronger creatives, and the lean $20-a-day setup th...


Blogging in 2026 & Beyond with Alison Ver Halen
#136
12/02/2025

In this episode, I talk with content writer Alison Ver Halen about why your best-performing marketing channel in 2026 might be the one you already own. We break down how blogging still drives search visibility, fuels answer engines, and helps turn curious visitors into confident buyers. Alison and I keep it practical and honest as we walk through what durable, long-lasting content really looks like today.

We also dig into how AI is changing the way people search, why depth and clarity matter more than ever, and how to write posts that earn chatbot citations. Alison shares simple...


Finding Your Purpose with Joe Denner
#135
11/25/2025

What if reaching your goals still leaves you feeling empty? In this episode, I talk with executive coach Joe Denner about why success can sometimes feel disconnected from purpose—and how to bring that deeper sense of calling back to the center of your work. Joe shares his own pivot story and offers a grounded view of purpose as both contribution and calling, not just personal preference or financial gain.

Together, we explore why entrepreneurs can lose their way—taking on opportunities out of habit, mistaking what they’re good at for what they’re meant to do, or g...


Why the Marketing Funnel Doesn’t Work Anymore
11/18/2025

The traditional marketing funnel assumes buyers move in a straight line—but today’s customers zigzag. They find you on social, check reviews later, and come back days (or weeks) after considering other options. In this episode, we explore why the old model often breaks down and introduce a more realistic alternative: the Trail to the Sale™ framework. It’s a clearer, more human approach to marketing that helps you focus on the right things at the right time.

We break down the eight trail stages—awareness, consider, compare, evaluate, sell, supersize, serve, and send—and how each one cal...


Let Your Story Sell For You with Mariana Henninger
#133
11/11/2025

Most business owners are comfortable writing about their work, but freeze the moment the camera turns on. In this episode, Emmy-winning filmmaker and Brand Magnetic founder Mariana Henninger joins us to share how a single, well-crafted brand video can build the kind of trust that months of content often can’t. We talk about the emotional triggers that help people feel seen, safe, and ready to say yes.

Mariana shares a practical approach to building a brand video that lives across your homepage, social media, and email sequences—quietly doing the work of selling for you. You’ll hea...


The Secret to a Brand Voice People Feel
#132
11/04/2025

Would your audience recognize your words without your logo? That one question can tell you if your brand voice is doing its job—creating consistency, building trust, and helping your content stand out. In this episode, we unpack what a brand voice really is and why it matters at every customer touchpoint, from your homepage to your email sign-off.

You’ll hear a simple framework for defining your brand voice, plus tips for applying it across your content in a way that feels authentic, not forced. We also explore how to avoid tone mismatches, communicate your values clea...


Is Your Marketing Haunted? 5 Scary Mistakes Hurting Your Business
#131
10/28/2025

Ever feel like your marketing is haunted by things you can’t quite name? In this Halloween-inspired episode, we’re calling out the five “monsters” that quietly creep into your strategy—like zombie tactics that waste time, ghosts of inconsistency, and funnel vampires that drain your energy. But instead of fear, we offer simple, practical shifts that bring your focus (and results) back to life.

You’ll hear how to audit what’s working, simplify your channels, and build trust before you try to sell. Whether you’re battling comparison, burnout, or just plain overwhelm, this conversation helps you spot t...


How to Structure Your Website for AI with Kevin Vaughan
#130
10/21/2025

Search engines aren’t what they used to be - and your customers are noticing. In this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Vaughan of KTV Digital to talk about how AI is reshaping how people search, find, and choose businesses online. We explore the shift from classic search results to AI-generated answers, and what that means for small businesses trying to stay visible.

Kevin shares practical ways to adapt, from how to organize your content so it's easier to cite, to why lived experience and specificity matter more than ever. We also touch on YouTube, schema, and...


The LinkedIn Strategy Your Small Business Needs with Kayla Ihrig
#129
10/14/2025

If you’ve written off LinkedIn as just a place for resumes and recruiters, this episode will make you think again. Writer and LinkedIn strategist Kayla Ihrig joins me to talk about how small businesses and service providers are quietly building traction—not through flashy posts, but through genuine conversations and a profile that speaks clearly to the right people.

We cover why comments can be more powerful than content, what updates make your profile more discoverable, and how to build a high-quality network that leads to media features, referrals, and clients. If social media has felt nois...


How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy
#128
10/07/2025

Selling often feels uncomfortable, especially when you didn’t start your business to become a salesperson. But what if the discomfort comes from how we think about sales, not the act itself?

In this episode, I share a mindset shift that’s helped me (and many others) approach selling in a way that feels natural, confident, and aligned with our values. We’ll talk about how genuine connection, clear messaging, and belief in your offer can turn sales from something you dread into something you’re proud of. If “selling” still makes you squirm, this conversation is for you.


The Secret to Attracting the Right Customers (Without Paid Ads)
09/30/2025

Some clients light you up, while others leave you feeling drained. If you’re attracting people who don’t value your work or push back on pricing, it’s not a pricing issue - it’s a positioning one. In this episode, I share how to align your message and marketing strategy so you naturally attract clients who are the right fit from the start.

You don’t need to do more or spend more. What you need is clarity around who you’re speaking to, consistency in how you show up, and a few intentional shifts in your orga...


Marketing Gaps That Drain Your Revenue
#126
09/23/2025

If your marketing feels like a rollercoaster—busy one month, crickets the next—there’s a good chance you’re facing hidden gaps in your system. It’s not that you’re doing something wrong; it’s that disconnected efforts, blind spots, and overcomplication can quietly derail even the most well-intentioned strategies.

In this episode, I break down the three most common marketing gaps that hold small business owners back, and how to spot which one is affecting you most. We’ll talk about why consistency matters more than complexity and how to focus your energy on the right part o...


7 Tiny Shifts That Get Big Results
#125
09/17/2025

Feeling stuck in your marketing, even though you're doing all the right things? Sometimes the problem isn’t effort, it’s direction. In this episode, I’m sharing seven subtle but powerful shifts that can make your marketing more effective without a full-blown overhaul.

These aren’t trendy hacks or expensive strategies. They’re intentional mindset and messaging tweaks that help you focus on what truly moves the needle. Whether it’s how you talk about your offer or where you spend your time, small changes can lead to surprisingly big results.

If you’ve been pouring e...


Crafting Your Million-Dollar Message with Aurora Winter
#124
09/09/2025

What if one message could change the way people see your business? In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Winter, award-winning author and founder of Same Page Publishing, to talk about how small business owners can craft powerful messages that connect, convert, and create lasting impact.

Aurora shares insights from her background in neuroscience, screenwriting, and business development to explain why emotional storytelling beats facts and features every time. Whether you're pitching a product, writing your website copy, or considering a book, her frameworks offer practical tools to help your message cut through the noise and...


How to Be in a Category of One with Ann Carden
#123
09/02/2025

Feeling like your business is getting lost in the crowd? In this episode, I’m joined by business growth consultant Ann Carden to talk about expert positioning: what it is, why it matters, and how it can change the way clients see your value.

We unpack the difference between branding and positioning, and how showing up with clarity and authority helps you stand out without shouting louder or lowering your prices. Ann shares simple but powerful mindset shifts to help you become the go-to in your space, so that your ideal clients see you as the obvious ch...


Copywriting That Connects with Emily Aborn
#122
08/26/2025

Ever wonder why one piece of content flops while another unexpectedly takes off? In this episode, I’m joined by copywriter Emily Aborn to talk about what really makes words connect with people, and why clarity and simplicity often win over polished perfection.

Emily shares insights on how distraction, overwhelm, and vague messaging can push your audience away, and what to focus on instead to keep their attention. She offers practical, straightforward advice for making your copy more engaging and relatable without adding more noise.

We also touch on the role of AI in writing an...


Why They See But Don't Buy: The Conversion Event Secret
#121
08/19/2025

Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” marketing moves like posting, emailing, showing up everywhere, yet sales still fall flat? This episode uncovers a simple but often-missed piece of the puzzle: conversion events. These focused experiences bridge the gap between casual interest and a buying decision, creating the urgency and connection your regular content can’t always deliver.

You’ll hear how to choose and design a conversion event, whether it’s a webinar, challenge, live training, or even a quick Instagram Q&A, so it fits seamlessly into your marketing strategy without overwhelming you. We’ll talk a...


Why Setbacks Are Inevitable and What to Do When They Hit with Genevieve Skory
#120
08/12/2025

Ever felt like giving up on your business dreams? When the passion is there, but the setbacks feel heavier than expected?

In this episode, resilience coach Genevieve Skory joins us for an honest, energizing conversation about what it really takes to keep going, especially when things get hard. From mindset shifts to redefining failure and rest, Genevieve shares insights that challenge the usual hustle narrative and offer a more sustainable way forward.

Whether you're in the early stages or deep in the grind, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that re...


How to Make Decisions Like a CEO
#119
08/05/2025

If your to-do list feels never-ending and you're constantly second-guessing what to focus on, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to make decisions that aren’t just reactive, but rooted in clarity, purpose, and what actually moves your business forward.

Whether you're solo or scaling, you'll walk away with a practical, mindset-shifting approach to prioritizing your time, energy, and effort as a business owner. Plus, there's a free resource to help you put it into action when you're ready to lead with more intention.

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Marketing Women-Led Brands with Cara Chatellier
#118
07/29/2025

What happens when you're told you're "too much" and decide to build a brand around it? Cara Chatellier, founder of Bubbly Creative, joins us to talk about turning what others see as a liability into your strongest asset. She shares her journey from corporate pushback to leading an all-women agency that helps women-led businesses build brands rooted in authenticity and purpose.

In this episode, we explore how personality-driven branding can create deep connections, especially for service-based entrepreneurs. Cara shares how to start showing up without the pressure to do it all, and why your lived experience and...


The 4-Post Social Media Strategy with Katie Brinkley
#117
07/22/2025

Feeling stuck on what to post next? In this episode, social media strategist Katie Brinkley shares a refreshingly simple framework that helps business owners take control of their online presence without the pressure to post everyday or go viral.

We talk about how to build consistency, connect with your audience more intentionally, and use social platforms to serve your business goals instead of draining your energy. Whether you’re doing it all yourself or thinking about outsourcing, this conversation will help you rethink your strategy and reclaim your time.

Tune in for practical ideas, mindset sh...


5 Marketing Mistakes That Are Sabotaging Your Growth
#116
07/15/2025

If your marketing feels busy but not effective, you might be making a few common missteps without even realizing it. In this episode, I walk through five marketing mistakes that could be holding back your growth, from targeting too broad of an audience to spreading your efforts thin across too many platforms.

I’ll explain why narrowing your ideal customer avatar helps your message land better, and how talking about solutions instead of problems often misses the mark. We’ll also explore how to turn scattered marketing efforts into a more strategic, connected journey.

With simp...


How AI Is Changing SEO (and What to Do About It)
#115
07/08/2025

Search isn’t what it used to be. With AI transforming how people look for answers and how platforms deliver them, it’s time to rethink your content strategy. In this episode, I’m breaking down the major shifts happening in SEO and what small business owners need to know to stay visible online.

We’ll talk about how search behavior is evolving, what today’s algorithms are really looking for, and how to show up with content that’s both strategic and personal. If you’ve been relying on keyword tricks or hoping AI can do all the writin...


Five Awareness Stages That Will Transform Your Marketing
#114
07/01/2025

If your content isn't getting the results you hoped for, the issue might be in how you're matching your message to your audience’s awareness. In this episode, I walk you through five distinct stages your potential customers go through, and how to adjust your messaging for each one.

Most small business owners skip ahead and assume their audience already understands the value they offer. But when you meet people too far along the journey, they tune out. I’ll share simple ways to shift your content so it speaks to what your audience is actually thinking and...


Secrets to Influencer Marketing for Small Businesses with Aya Saad
#113
06/24/2025

Influencer marketing can feel out of reach for small businesses, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m joined by Aya Saad, CEO of Vivian Agency, who specializes in helping small brands grow through strategic influencer partnerships that actually fit their goals and budgets.

We talk about how to find the right kinds of influencers (hint: smaller followings can often lead to bigger impact), what to look for beyond vanity metrics, and how affiliate-style partnerships can lower your upfront costs. Aya also shares smart ways to approach influencer outreach, red flags to avoid, and...


Growing Your Business Through Podcasting with Casey Cheshire
#112
06/17/2025

What if your next big client came from a genuine conversation instead of a cold pitch? In this episode, I’m joined by Casey Cheshire—marketing expert and host of over 1,000 podcast interviews—to talk about how podcasting can open surprising doors for connection, credibility, and content creation.

We unpack how podcasting helps business owners build real relationships with potential clients, all while generating authentic, useful content. Casey shares why podcasting isn’t about having a huge audience—it’s about having the right conversations.

If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a podcast is worth the effo...


How to Use Google Business Profile to Get More Clients with Marilyn Jenkins
#111
06/10/2025

What if one of your most powerful marketing tools was already at your fingertips, and totally free? In this episode, I sit down with digital growth strategist Marilyn Jenkins, author of The Google Business Profile Training Guide, to talk about a tool many business owners overlook: their Google Business Profile.

Marilyn shares why this profile may matter even more than your website, especially as AI changes how people search. They also discuss how to make the most of your listing, from smart optimization tactics to why weekly updates make such a big difference.

If your...


Breaking Solopreneur Isolation with Carly Ries
#110
06/03/2025

Solopreneurship can be empowering, but also incredibly isolating. In this honest conversation, I’m joined by fellow fractional CMO Carly Ries to talk about the emotional toll of working alone and how it quietly impacts our business growth.

We explore what it really takes to stay grounded and connected as a solo business owner, plus simple ways to create community, regain momentum, and get out of your own head. Tune in if you’ve ever felt stuck behind the scenes of your own business.

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AI Tools That Will Save You Hours with Joshua Hale
#109
05/27/2025

AI isn’t just for tech experts or big-budget teams. In this episode, visionary entrepreneur and AI mentor Joshua Hale shares how small business owners can start using tools like ChatGPT and others to cut down on repetitive tasks, speed up research, and build smarter systems without needing a technical background.

We talk about practical ways to apply AI in everyday work, how to improve results with better prompts, and why Joshua’s 10-80-10 approach (human idea > AI execution > human refinement) helps keep your voice and values intact. You’ll also hear how different tools serve specif...


Mastering Facebook Ads with Stacy Covitz
#108
05/20/2025

Facebook ads have changed a lot over the years, but they’re still one of the most powerful tools available—if you know how to use them well. In this episode, ad strategist Stacy Covitz shares a practical, no-hype approach to getting started with Meta ads, even on a small budget. She explains how to build a strong foundation, reach the right people, and make the most of Meta’s targeting tools.

We also talk about what makes an ad worth clicking, which metrics actually matter, and why testing your offer is more important than perfect execution. If you...


AI for Small Business: 9 Unexpected Ways It Can Save You Time and Sanity
#107
05/13/2025

AI might sound like something only big companies use, but it’s becoming a powerful (and surprisingly simple) tool for small business owners too. In this episode, I’m sharing nine unexpected ways you can use AI to make your daily workload lighter and more manageable, without needing to be a tech expert or change everything about how you work.

Think of this episode as your starting point for using AI in real, everyday tasks you probably didn’t even know it could help with. If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where to begin, this con...