New Marketing For Your Small Business

What actually works when it comes to marketing a home service business in 2026?In this episode, we sit down with marketing consultant Angela Kohout, who has spent more than 15 years helping home improvement companies grow through better branding, lead generation, sales training, and business development.Together we discuss how homeowners are researching companies today, why trust has become more important than ever, and where contractors should—and shouldn't—be spending their marketing dollars. We also cover building an online presence that converts, creating a system for collecting reviews, avoiding common marketing mistakes, and why your website should be the foundation of every marketing campaign.Whether you own a remodeling company, roofing business, HVAC company, landscaping business, or any other home service company, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying immediately.

SEO has changed dramatically over the past few years, but that doesn't mean it has to be complicated. In this episode, Luke sits down with Eric Carlson, owner of Loon's Eye Digital, to talk about some of the easiest SEO improvements that small business owners can make themselves.We discuss: The most common SEO mistakes businesses are still making  Why your Google Business Profile deserves more attention  How AI is changing the way Google evaluates websites  Simple technical fixes that can improve your rankings  Why getting the right traffic is much more important than simply getting more trafficIf you've been wondering what you can do to improve your website's visibility on Google, you'll get a lot out of this episode.

Trade shows can be one of the most powerful marketing opportunities for your business… or a complete waste of time if you approach them the wrong way.In this episode, Luke breaks down how to turn simple booth conversations into real business opportunities. You’ll learn how to attract the right people to your booth, start meaningful conversations without sounding like a sales pitch, and guide those conversations toward a clear next step.Luke also dives into the follow-up process, where the real ROI happens. You’ll learn how to follow up quickly, personally, and in a way that builds trust and keeps you top of mind long after the event ends.If you want to get more out of your next trade show, this episode will give you a simple, practical game plan you can start using immediately.

In 2026, social media success comes down to one thing more than ever before: consistency.In this episode, we break down why short vertical video is now the center of gravity for every major platform and how today’s algorithms decide what content gets pushed and what gets ignored.You’ll learn why consistency is no longer just about how often you post, but who your content is for, how predictable it is for the algorithm, and how closely it aligns with current video trends. Luke walks through how to define a single ideal audience, research what that person actually responds to, use trends without gimmicks, post at the right times, and recognize the signs that your content is finally clicking.If your videos feel stuck around the 200-view mark or your reach feels unpredictable, this episode will help you understand what the algorithms are looking for and how to adjust your strategy in 2026.

SEO has changed more in the last two years than it did in the previous decade. And if you are still relying on keyword-stuffed blog posts or mass-produced AI content, you’re not just falling behind. You’re actively hurting your rankings.In this episode of The New Marketing for Your Small Business Podcast, Luke breaks down the new state of SEO, why Google is pushing hard toward human-first content, and what Twin Cities businesses must do to stay visible in both Google Search and Google Local results.If your SEO strategy hasn’t evolved since 2022, this episode is your wake-up call. Google’s expectations have changed. User behavior has changed. And the businesses who adapt first will win.Tune in and learn how to rebuild your SEO foundation the right way.

In this episode, we break down the latest algorithm changes across LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok, and what they mean for your business.You’ll learn how each platform is shifting toward authentic engagement and short-form video, why smaller creators are getting a boost, and what simple actions you can take to stay visible without chasing every new update.If you’ve felt frustrated by unpredictable reach or worried about keeping up with constant changes, this episode is your wake-up call to stop fighting the algorithm and start using it to your advantage.

In this episode, Luke Porter delivers a no-holds-barred rant on why short vertical video is the best marketing opportunity for small businesses right now, and why so many business owners are missing it.He breaks down what’s holding people back, including fear of being on camera, not knowing what to say, or stressing over gear, and reminds you that none of that should stop you from showing up. You’ll learn why vertical video performs better across all platforms, how TikTok changed the game, and what kind of content actually connects with your audience.If you’ve been putting off creating video for your business, this episode is your wake-up call.

When was the last time you reintroduced yourself on social media, and not just your products or services? In this episode, we explore how getting back to your "origin story" can help you reconnect with your audience and build trust. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or content creator, you'll learn how to use “self-interviewing” as a tool to uncover authentic, story-driven content that resonates. If your social media has started to feel a little stale, this episode is your creative reset. 

In the final episode of our Facebook marketing series, we’re diving deep into Facebook Ads and how small businesses can use them effectively—without wasting money. We’ll break down the difference between boosting a post and running a full ad campaign, walk through the main types of Facebook Ads, and show you how to target the right audience for your business. Whether you're just starting or looking to get better results, this episode will help you advertise with confidence—and smarter strategy.

What should you post on Facebook for your business? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to create a simple, effective content strategy that keeps your followers engaged. We cover the five main types of content every business should post, how often you should post, and easy ways to boost engagement. If you're ready to grow your audience and keep them coming back for more, this episode is for you!