329: Building relationships through your DMs - how to authentically have convos | Lauren Najar

What if your marketing isn't actually the problem?What if people are finding you, checking out your content, clicking through to your website... and then leaving?After analysing close to 70,000 websites, Irwin Hau (our guest on the podcast for ep 331) has come to one conclusion.Most businesses don't have a traffic problem.They have a conversion problem.In this episode, we dive into the role your website plays in your marketing strategy, why getting more traffic won't fix a website that isn't converting, and the four questions every visitor is subconsciously asking when they land on your site. We also talk about trust, testimonials, proof, why most websites overcomplicate their messaging, and the simple website mistakes that could be costing you leads without you even realising it.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ The four questions every website visitor wants answered within seconds✨ Why most businesses don't have a traffic problem — they have a conversion problem✨ How trust, proof and testimonials influence buying decisions online✨ The simple website mistakes that could be costing you leads and salesSHOW RESOURCES 👇CONNECT with Irwin on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irwinhau/VISIT Chromatix - https://www.chromatix.com.au/CHECK OUT Conversion Cow - https://www.conversioncow.com/LEARN MORE about Irwin - https://www.irwinhau.com/JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcampGET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guideFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕ABOUT THE GUEST 👇Irwin Hau is a website conversion strategist who helps businesses turn attention into actual revenue. After analyzing over 70,000 websites, he discovered that many businesses do not have a traffic problem, they have a conversion problem. His work focuses on helping brands improve trust, messaging, and website experience so they can generate more leads and sales without needing more content or ad spend.

What pains you about marketing?Is it not knowing what to post?Feeling like you're constantly behind?Feeling like everyone else knows something you don't?Or feeling like you're creating content but nothing is actually happening?Because if any of those resonate, I don't think your problem is content.I think your problem might be a lack of intention.In this episode, I'm unpacking one of the biggest things I've noticed after working with many of businesses over the last decade. The businesses that struggle the most with marketing aren't usually struggling because they can't create content. They're struggling because they don't have a clear plan.And NO I am not talking about a social media posting plan... If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why your content problem might actually be a strategy problem✨ The real reason marketing feels so overwhelming and exhausting✨ How intention creates momentum, confidence and consistency✨ Why having a strategy helps you filter advice and focus on what actually mattersSHOW RESOURCES 👇JOIN Content Bootcamp (starts July 8) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcampGET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guideFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

Be honest... when was the last time you intentionally started a conversation in your DMs?Not replied to a comment. Not answered a question. Actually started a conversation.Because if I'm being completely transparent, this is an area of marketing that I know I could be doing more of too.We spend so much time talking about content strategy, posting content and growing our audience that sometimes we forget social media is supposed to be... social.In this episode, I'm joined by business coach, marketing strategist and relationship-building expert Lauren Najar to talk about one of the most underutilised sales tools in your business: your DMs.We unpack why so many business owners overcomplicate conversations online, how to approach people without feeling awkward or salesy, and why relationship-building should never start with a pitch.If you've ever thought, "I know I should be doing more relationship building, but I don't know where to start," this episode will give you practical ideas you can implement straight away.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why building relationships in your DMs doesn't have to feel awkward or salesy✨ How to start genuine conversations that create trust and connection✨ Why content and conversations work better together than either one alone✨ The role of automation, ManyChat and where human connection still matters mostSHOW RESOURCES 👇CONNECT with Lauren on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/laurennajarCONNECT with Lauren on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-najar/ VISIT Lauren's WEBSITE - https://laurennajar.comDOWNLOAD Lauren's 30 day sales challenge - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/nt0xmk710eLISTEN to Lauren's Podcast "Business Over Cocktails"JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcampGET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guideFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕ABOUT THE GUEST 👇Lauren Najar is a marketing and business strategist who helps service-based entrepreneurs stand out online, generate consistent leads, and convert through relationship-driven strategy and simple systems.She's known for her direct, no-fluff approach and for creating elevated spaces through coaching, consulting and curated events, where women build real momentum through connection and collaboration.

When you think about marketing your business, do you immediately think about social media?Because here's the thing: organic marketing is so much bigger than Instagram posts and TikTok videos.In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the workshops I recently ran around Australia, where I unpack the first pillar of a marketing plan: organic marketing. We dive into all the different ways you can market your business without spending money on ads, from social media and email marketing to Google reviews, networking, speaking gigs, podcasting, SEO and more. The goal? To help you stop feeling overwhelmed by all the options and instead choose one organic marketing channel to intentionally focus on for the next three months.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why organic marketing is more than just social media✨ How to choose the right marketing channel for your strengths and business goals✨ The simple three-month marketing experiment that can create real momentum✨ Why consistency and simplicity will always beat an overly complicated strategySHOW RESOURCES 👇JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - ⁠https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp⁠GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guideFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕

Are you creating content that people watch… or content that actually gets people to buy?Because there’s a big difference.In this episode, I’m joined by Sol Hyde, who left the corporate world, picked up his phone, started creating content, and built an online business from scratch in just 18 months. Since then, he’s helped over 100 coaches, consultants and agencies grow and scale their businesses using organic content, trust-based marketing and community. We unpack why followers don’t automatically equal sales, the biggest mistake people make when trying to “convert” their audience, and why storytelling might be the thing that turns your content from “getting views” to actually creating clients.We also go into confidence, conviction, hand raisers (you’ll understand soon 😂), and why giving away your best stuff for free might actually make you more money.If you’ve ever thought “I’m posting content but it’s not actually leading to sales”… this one’s for you.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why followers don’t equal sales (and what actually matters instead)✨ How to create content that builds trust and converts✨ Why storytelling creates stronger content than just giving information✨ The simple shifts that get people from watching your content to working with youSHOW RESOURCES 👇CONNECT with Sol on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sol.hyde/CONNECT with Sol on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-hyde/WATCH Sol on YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUX5rPbWRPsZo5M1RA_q_Lw/aboutJOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcampGET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guideFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕ABOUT THE GUEST 👇I'm Sol! I started out in corporate but felt unfulfilled, so I built my own online business from scratch. Since then, I've helped over 100 coaches, consultants, and agencies grow and scale their service-based businesses, so they can work when they want, with who they want, and build something that actually fits their life. 

Question... are you creating content because it actually aligns with your business goals… or because someone on the internet told you that you should?Because if I had a dollar for every time a client came back from a coffee catch-up saying, “Someone told me I should start a podcast” or “TikTok is where I should be”… I probably wouldn’t need another retainer. 😂In this episode, I’m unpacking why trusting your business and understanding your audience matters more than following random advice online. Because yes, experts can guide you and support you, but at the end of the day, you know your business better than anyone else.Marketing isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about knowing why you’re showing up there in the first place.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah 💫⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why trusting yourself matters more than following random marketing advice✨ The difference between being a content creator and a business owner✨ Why posting on social media doesn’t automatically equal business growth✨ How a content strategy gives you clarity, confidence and directionSHOW RESOURCES 👇JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - ⁠https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp⁠Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - ⁠www.contentqueenmariah.com⁠Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah⁠If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

The age old question... should you actually be running Meta ads in your business? And if you are… how do you know if they’re actually working?In this episode, I’m joined by ad strategist Neil Shoney to unpack what business owners really need to know about Facebook and Instagram ads... without the fluff, overwhelm, or “just boost a post” energy.Neil shares how Facebook ads quite literally saved his first business, why most people are testing ads completely wrong, and the biggest misconception business owners have when they say “ads don’t work.”We also dive into the relationship between organic content and paid ads, what’s actually converting right now, and why the problem often isn’t your ads… it’s what happens after people click.If Meta ads have ever felt confusing, expensive, or like something “other businesses” do… this episode will help you see them in a completely different way.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah and @neilshoneymac. ⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ The relationship between organic content and paid ads (and why they work better together)✨ The biggest mistakes people make when running ads✨ What’s actually working in ads right now, from testimonials to high-converting VSL funnels✨ The framework Neil has used on thousands of business owners to run Meta ads SHOW RESOURCES 👇Follow Neil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilshoneymac/ JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - ⁠https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp⁠ Find out more about how to WORK WITH US -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.contentqueenmariah.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on INSTAGRAM -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕ABOUT THE GUEST Neil Shoney is an ads strategist and go-to expert for coaches, consultants, and service providers who want a simple, proven, scalable Facebook Ads system that brings in premium clients consistently.With 13+ years of running ads and over 3,000 coaches, consultants, and service providers helped, Neil is known for turning complicated advertising into clear, repeatable frameworks that work across every niche of online coaching - because unlike almost everywhere else you turn, Neil does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.After managing high-spend campaigns in the UK and US, Neil shifted into coaching full-time and created a library of 36 proprietary frameworks - including his proprietary “2-5-5 Method” - that helps coaches install a functioning, profitable ads system in days, not months, that they can turn on/off like a tap - whenever they want new leads. His clients span over 62 niches, with 21 of those niches hitting 6-figure months (including fitness coaches, business coaches, fiction writing coaches, and even online dog trainers) through ads.Neil’s specialty is helping coaches escape manual lead-gen, build warm audiences on demand, and use ads as the engine of their entire business - even if they’ve failed with ads multiple times before. His data-driven simplicity and focus on predictable acquisition has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted ads mentors in the coaching space.Based in Windermere, Florida with his wife Adriana, son Luca and cat Isla, Neil blends high-level ads strategy with real-world business building - helping everyday coaches leverage advertising to grow faster, earn more, and build the life they actually want around the people they want.

So… we know AI is here. We know we should be using it.But are you starting to feel like everything online is sounding the same?In this episode, I’m not giving you another “how to use AI” tutorial… I’m flipping the lens.Because the real question isn’t how do we use AI more?It’s how do we stay human while using it?If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your content, over-relying on AI, or just unsure where you fit in all of this… this episode will bring you back to what actually matters.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah 💫⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ It isn't about overusing AI, it is about staying connected in the process ✨ The 3 ways to humanise your content in a world full of automation✨ Why your stories, experiences and perspective are your biggest advantageSHOW RESOURCES 👇WANT tailored support, answers and feedback? Join my AMA WhatsApp Group - $30 for 14 business days - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/checkout-whatsappJOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcampFind out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.comConnect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariahIf you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

Do you actually have the foundations in place to sustain your business… or are you just building as you go?Because here’s the thing — a lot of business owners wear many hats… but skip the pieces that actually make a business work long-term.In this episode, I’m joined by Wendy Pitts Reeves, therapist turned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience, to break down the 7 pillars every business owner needs to build a business they love… and that loves them back.We’re talking purpose beyond your service, getting clear on who you actually want to work with, why your pricing might be holding you back, and the real reason your marketing isn’t landing.If you feel like you’re working hard in your business but something feels off… this episode will help you spot exactly where the gaps are.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah. ⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨The 7 core pillars every business needs to be sustainable and profitable✨ Why your purpose as a business owner is different to what you actually do✨ How unclear messaging and audience confusion impacts your marketing✨ Why pricing and money mindset are the biggest blockers for most business owners✨ The real reason your marketing isn’t working (and how to fix it)✨ Why systems and processes are key to building a business that doesn’t burn you out✨ How your mindset and perspective shape every result in your businessSHOW RESOURCES 👇Follow Wendy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealPracticePodcastOr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypittsreeves/Find Wendy's Podcast: https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/podcastTake her "Pillars Audit": https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/360 JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp Find out more about how to WORK WITH US -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.contentqueenmariah.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on INSTAGRAM -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕ABOUT THE GUEST A therapist-turned-entrepreneur, Wendy is redefining what private practice can look like for healers who want more ease, more income, and way more impact, without selling out or burning out. With 25+ years of clinical and business experience - and an intuitive knack for naming what's really getting in your way she helps smart, soulful healers create practices that are as profitable as they are purposeful. She's the founder of C2C Consulting and host of the Ideal PracticeTM podcast, where she brings honest conversations, sharp strategy, and a whole lot of heart to every episode. She's known for making the hard stuff feel doable-and even fun. Her real secret? Wendy knows that what holds most of us back isn't what we do - it's how we think. It's the mindset traps and secret fears that keep brilliant therapists playing small. She's here to help you shift all of that. From building a thriving group practice to working in public service to launching solo ventures that actually pay the bills, Wendy's been there-and she brings it all to the table for practice owners who don't just want to hustle... They want to rise.

So… do you actually question your AI? Or are you just copying, pasting, and hoping for the best?Because I saw something unfold last year that made me go… yikes.A business owner posted bold, opinionated content calling people out... and when they got called out in the comments? Their automation replied with “check your DMs.”Not ideal… especially when you’re dealing with sensitive, high-stakes conversations.In this episode, I’m unpacking where AI can go very wrong in your marketing... from over-relying on automations in moments that require human connection, to trusting AI-generated content without actually questioning it.Because AI is powerful… but it’s not the strategy. And it’s definitely not the voice of your business.If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇✨ Why blindly trusting AI can damage your credibility (and your business)✨ The problem with using automation in moments that require real human connection✨ Why AI is only as good as the input and the feedback you give it✨ How to use AI like a team member... not a shortcutSHOW RESOURCES 👇WANT tailored support, answers and feedback? Join my AMA WhatsApp Group - $30 for 14 business days -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/checkout-whatsapp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - ⁠https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp⁠ Find out more about how to WORK WITH US -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.contentqueenmariah.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on INSTAGRAM -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @contentqueenmariah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕