Smart Marketing, Bigger Profits: Crack the Code to Stand Out, Scale Up, & Succeed | Jeremy LaDuke

Smart Marketing, Bigger Profits: Crack the Code to Stand Out, Scale Up, & Succeed | Jeremy LaDuke

Stand Out, Scale Up, and Succeed!

🎙️In this powerhouse episode of the Marketing Boost Solutions Podcast, Captain Marco Torres sits down with Jeremy LaDuke, founder of Epic Nine: Marketing Outfitters, a seasoned marketing strategist who has helped hundreds of businesses scale past the $1M mark. As a branding expert, podcast co-host, and author of Climb: The Risks and Rewards of Elevating Your Brand, Jeremy brings invaluable insights on how to stand out in a crowded market, take smart risks, and build a brand that truly resonates. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights and strategies for small business owners looking to navigate their marketing journeys effectively.
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Jeremy's Background and Motivation

Jeremy shares his journey, explaining how he started Epic Nine after years of freelancing and working for another agency. His passion for helping small businesses, particularly those with great products or services struggling with marketing, drove him to launch his own agency. He highlights the changing marketing landscape since 2014, noting the prevalence of SEO scams that targeted small businesses.

During the pandemic in 2020, Jeremy found himself with extra time and decided to write his book, "Climb." The book serves as a DIY guide for small business owners, providing practical advice on navigating the marketing wilderness. It follows the story of a woman who takes over her family's book and toy store, illustrating how effective marketing can be applied in real-world scenarios. Each chapter combines storytelling with technical insights, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs.

Key Marketing Concepts

Advertising vs. Marketing

Marco asks Jeremy to define the difference between advertising and marketing. Jeremy explains that marketing encompasses all efforts to get a brand in front of potential customers, while advertising specifically refers to paid promotions. He emphasizes that effective marketing should be memorable, as the goal is to ensure that when customers are ready to make a purchase, they think of your brand.

Common Mistakes in Small Business Marketing

Jeremy identifies some of the biggest mistakes small businesses make in their marketing efforts:

• Lack of Clearly Defined Goals: He stresses the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide marketing strategies. Without clear objectives, businesses may struggle to determine the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

• Playing it Safe with Branding: Many businesses opt for generic branding that fails to stand out in a crowded market. Jeremy encourages entrepreneurs to take calculated risks with their branding to create a memorable identity. By being distinct and adventurous, businesses can avoid blending in with competitors and ensure their marketing efforts are effective.

Understanding Marketing and Branding

Marco then asks Jeremy to clarify the difference between marketing and branding. Jeremy explains that branding is a subset of marketing, focusing on how a business presents itself to the world and how it is perceived by customers. He emphasizes that branding encompasses the business's personality, messaging, and visual identity. Effective branding aligns what a business wants to be with how customers perceive it, creating a cohesive image.

When to Pivot Marketing Strategies

The discussion shifts to when small businesses should consider pivoting their marketing strategies or hiring outside help. Jeremy advises that businesses with revenues under $1 million should focus on in-house marketing efforts, allocating 3-5% of their budget to marketing. For larger businesses with more substantial budgets, it may make sense to hire external agencies for ongoing support.

He also highlights the importance of measuring marketing effectiveness. Without tracking analytics, businesses may not realize when their strategies are failing. Jeremy encourages entrepreneurs to utilize tools like Google Analytics to monitor their marketing performance and make informed decisions about when to pivot.

Practical Tips and Strategies

The Importance of Reviews

Jeremy emphasizes the value of third-party reviews on platforms like Google, Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot. Consistently gathering reviews can enhance a brand's visibility in search results, making it essential for businesses to encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences.

Climb Club Resources

Jeremy introduces Climb Club, a platform offering a wealth of resources for small business owners, including video courses on marketing practices, email marketing, and practical guides for setting up tools like Google Analytics. He highlights the value of the community aspect, where small business owners can share ideas and strategies in a supportive environment.

Common Growth Stoppers

When asked about the biggest obstacles to growth for small businesses, Jeremy identifies a lack of marketing knowledge as a significant barrier. The rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing can leave business owners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to effectively promote their brands.

Avoiding Ineffective Marketing

Jeremy warns against the dangers of working with unethical marketing agencies or freelancers who may not deliver results. He stresses the importance of understanding what you are paying for and being able to measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Inefficient Advertising Practices

He points out that many businesses waste money on ineffective advertising methods, such as using basic Google Ads without advanced targeting. He shares an example of an IT company that was misled into paying for clicks from irrelevant searches, highlighting the need for more strategic ad management.

Community Engagement

For brick-and-mortar businesses, Jeremy suggests that active involvement in the local community can yield high returns on investment. Joining local organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, can provide networking opportunities and help businesses establish a presence in their communities.

Nonprofit Partnerships

He also recommends partnering with nonprofits as a cost-effective marketing strategy. By sponsoring events or providing in-kind donations, businesses can gain exposure while supporting a good cause.

The Power of Storytelling

Jeremy discusses the importance of storytelling in branding. He believes that every interaction a customer has with a business contributes to the overall narrative. Businesses should strive to create a compelling story that resonates with their audience, as emotional connections can drive customer loyalty.

Brand Personality

He encourages businesses to develop a distinct brand personality, urging them not to be passive or overly cautious. A strong, memorable brand can stand out in a crowded market, and businesses should embrace opportunities to showcase their unique qualities.

Long-Term Marketing Strategies

Jeremy advises against frequently changing marketing messages, as consistency helps build brand recognition. He cites examples from the insurance industry, where humor and memorable campaigns keep brands top of mind for consumers.

He shares his insights on the importance of standing out in the marketplace and the value of calculated risks in branding. He encourages small business owners to embrace their unique identities and leverage effective marketing strategies to achieve their goals.

Plus, Jeremy has an exclusive gift just for our listeners—a FREE one-month trial to Climb Club—his exclusive community for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to take their marketing to the next level. So, get ready to stand out, scale up, and succeed! By focusing on community engagement, effective storytelling, and strategic advertising, businesses can position themselves for growth and success in an ever-evolving marketplace. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for small business owners looking to elevate their marketing strategies and achieve lasting success.

Connect with Jeremy below:

🌐 Website: http://theclimbclub.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyladuke/

📸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jladuke1