Marketing Made Simple

Is your marketing falling flat, even when you’re putting in the work and following all the best advice? You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and implemented the strategies, but you're still not seeing the results you want. It can be a frustrating puzzle, especially for those who’ve invested time and energy learning solid marketing frameworks like StoryBrand. So where might you be going wrong?   In today’s episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins conduct an in-depth website audit for Trace Hobson Training and Coaching. Trace, like many of our listeners, has been following StoryBrand principles but feels stuck with his website's performance. Through this live audit, J.J. and April offer specific, actionable advice on website structure, clear messaging, and CTA optimization. If you're struggling with your website or other aspects of your marketing, tune in and get expert insights to help you refine your strategy and get much better results!   You can see Trace's website and follow along with J.J. and April's coaching at TraceHobson.mykajabi.com.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you build it, they will come.” But that's simply not true when it comes to business. It actually takes a great deal of strategy and effort to get customers. And the stress of not having enough leads can crush anyone’s spirit, especially when you know your product is top-notch. Rest assured, the problem isn’t your product—it’s your approach to finding buyers. So what’s the secret to breaking through and filling your pipeline?   As we continue our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins tackle the head-scratching problem of lead generation. Hear from caller Bryton Nield of Dentist Partner Pros, who needs help reeling in potential new customers. With the help of the StoryBrand framework, J.J. and April reveal the secrets to creating an unstoppable marketing strategy that keeps prospects flowing in. Tune in and learn how to solve your lead generation woes and get the attention your business deserves!   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You've spent hours perfecting your pitch, confident that this time, you'll convert your audience into enthusiastic customers. But once again, the response is lukewarm, and nobody buys. What gives? If this scenario sounds familiar, then this episode is for you! We’ve heard from many marketers and business owners who found themselves frustrated after their well-prepared presentations flopped. So how do you deliver a sales pitch that’s powerful and persuasive enough to inspire action from your potential customers?   This week, we’re kicking off our summer series, Getting Unstuck, where hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins answer listeners' questions about the most pressing obstacles in their business and help them get unstuck. Today they’re joined by caller Anna, who runs a leadership program for teens and needs help converting leads during her sales presentations. Listen in for 6 simple strategies you can implement right away to ensure your next sales pitch (whether it’s an email or an in-person presentation) is a slam dunk!   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Too many businesses, whether large or small, established or new, make the mistake of leading with their own story. In other words, they’re trying to tell their audience all about what makes their business so great — and then they’re confused when their audience reacts with a shrug and says, “I don’t care.” How can businesses reach new customers when “I don’t care” is the prevailing mindset?   StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple help you answer that question. On the podcast today, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are continuing their series of discussions with veteran StoryBrand Certified Guides. Today’s guest is Jessie Congleton, certified since 2016, and she helps us with key insights into what customers want to read in your marketing copy. What should you consider about your audience before you start writing? What should you lead with in your copy? What is the biggest mistake companies (of all sizes) make when writing marketing copy? With answers to these questions and more, Jessie illuminates how to write marketing that makes customers care.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/JessieCongleton.   Jessie has also appeared on the Marketing Made Simple podcast twice before. Listen to her past episodes: #8: Save Your Customers from Failure - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/save-your-customers-from-failure/id1569923210?i=1000531685005 #70: How Do I Make My Copy Clear, But Not Boring? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-i-make-my-copy-clear-but-not-boring/id1569923210?i=1000583138137   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand  

It’s hard to do creative work when you feel burned out and spread thin. But for many talented people, this is exactly what happens. You’re good at what you do, so more and more people seek you out. Your workload grows, and before you know it, you can easily lose touch with the passion and purpose you once had. Burnout sets in, and if you’re not careful, it can become a weighty fog you can’t see your way out of.   In today’s episode, J.J. and April have a heart-to-heart conversation with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Will Turner, about his experience with burnout. Will shares honestly about how he got to a place where he didn’t enjoy work anymore because he was trying to be someone he wasn’t and live up to other people’s expectations. Even worse, he didn’t realize how much it was putting a damper on his creativity. By investing in his mental health, getting honest about his personal values, and aligning his business with his life goals, Will rebuilt a career and life he truly loves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the edge of burnout, this episode is for you. Listen to this heartfelt conversation now.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Will Turner directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/William-Andrew-Turner.   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

If you’ve done any kind of sales or marketing, you know that handling customer objections is a huge part of the job. Unfortunately, most companies have a hard time overcoming objections and helping customers see the value they have to offer. The result? They become sales-ey and lose sight of the goal: serving their customers.   In today’s episode, J.J. and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Angie Schultz, as she shares her experience using the StoryBrand framework in her own business and in the businesses of her clients. You’ll learn how to handle objections with empathy and clarity (the StoryBrand way!) so you never lose sight of truly serving people. If you want to go from selling to serving in the way you handle objections, this episode is for you! Listen now.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Angie Schultz directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Angie-Schultz.   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your business hitting roadblocks with international marketing? Cultural differences, language barriers, and varying consumer behaviors can pose big challenges for any brand. Marketers often find themselves at a loss, struggling to adapt their messaging and strategies to resonate with diverse audiences. This usually leads to underperforming campaigns and missed opportunities to connect with broader audiences. In these cases, a brand needs a universal and flexible framework that accommodates different cultural contexts.   In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins dig into the intricacies of international marketing with special guest Daan Schmidt, head of StoryBrand Netherlands. Daan shares his experiences and insights on using the StoryBrand framework in different cultural settings. You’ll learn actionable tips on how to adapt your marketing strategies for various audiences while keeping your message clear and effective. Tune in and get strategic advice that will help expand your reach and connect with customers across the globe!   For more details on StoryBrand Netherlands, go to StoryBrand.nl.   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Why does talking about your business sometimes feel like explaining rocket science to a 5-year-old? If your message is drowning in technical terms or marketing speak, you might just be alienating your audience instead of drawing them in. Countless businesses find themselves tangled in jargon that might impress a fellow expert but leaves potential customers scratching their heads. Cutting through this complexity and speaking directly to your audience’s needs can be the game-changer your business is looking for. But how exactly do you do that?   In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins chat with Curt Stockwell, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the owner of Well Dressed Walrus, a marketing agency based in Spokane, Washington. They dive into the magic of the one-liner, a succinct formula that neatly packages your customer’s problem, your solution, and the benefits they can expect. You’ll learn how to simplify your message in a way that puts your customer right at the heart of your story. Listen in and find out how to craft a one-liner that will transform your marketing efforts, making them more understandable and engaging for everyone!   Contact StoryBrand Certified guide Curt Stockwell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Curt-Stockwell.   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Most people wouldn't accept a marriage proposal on the first date. They want to get to know the person before making a commitment. In the same way, customers don't like it when a business quickly tries to sell something right after meeting them. And when customers recoil from a hasty sales pitch, the business loses an opportunity they may never get back. So when is the right time to make a sales pitch so that your customers feel comfortable and keep coming back?   In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with special guest Mehrab Reza, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the owner of Adlantica Agency. Mehrab answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ He shares his expertise on how to approach people in a way that truly invites the customer into a relationship. Listen in and learn strategies that will earn your customers’ loyalty for the long-haul and make them repeat buyers!   Contact StoryBrand Certified Agency owner Mehrab Reza directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Adlantica.   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Apply before Friday, May 24th for our upcoming training in July at StoryBrand.com/ApplyNow.   --   In most businesses, there’s a major disconnect between the sales and marketing teams—and this is a problem. Why? Because the sales team is out on the front lines every day, hearing about the desires, objections, and concerns of potential buyers. And when there's no communication between the sales team, who knows what the customers want, and the marketing team, who tries to get the customers' attention, it can result in weak marketing efforts and underwhelming revenue. So how can you close this gap between sales and marketing to create stronger, more successful marketing strategies?   In this week’s episode, Schell Gower, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, joins hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins. Schell explores how to get sales and marketing teams talking effectively. You’ll learn how fluid communication not only closes the gap between marketing's assumptions and sales' real experiences but also greatly improves marketing results. Listen in and get practical tips to make sure these two key areas are working together to drive growth.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Cantrell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Schell-Gower.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand