Small Business Made Simple Podcast

EPISODE 348: Is PR the Most Underrated Marketing Strategy for Small Business? With Liz Nabel PR – it’s the free marketing strategy that small business owners often overlook… but not today! In this week’s episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m joined by the fabulous Liz Nabel – former TV journalist, now media and PR coach – and we’re diving into the world of getting your business into the media for FREE. We chat all things public relations (spoiler: it doesn’t stand for press release!), how to find media angles in your business, how AI can actually help if writing’s not your thing, and why pitching your story doesn’t need to be scary – just smart. Liz shares her journey from chasing breaking news to building a million-dollar business using the power of PR – with zero marketing budget. If you’ve ever thought, “PR isn’t for me,” this episode might just change your mind (and your visibility). 🎧 Tune in now and find out how to build your brand, your authority, and your audience – without spending a cent.   🟠 WANT TO JOIN ME FOR THE 2025 SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING CONFERENCE IN MELBOURNE, 29 AUGUST?  https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference [https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference] 🟣 READY TO LIFT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME? Take the Challenge: https://jenn-donovan.myflodesk.com/fivedaychallenge [https://jenn-donovan.myflodesk.com/fivedaychallenge]    🟢 Let’s talk strategy with a free 3-Part Video series: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/marketing-strategy-three-part-mini-video-series/ [https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/marketing-strategy-three-part-mini-video-series/] 🔵 SHOW NOTES (including a transcription of this episode and all links and resources): www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/322    [http://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/322%20%20%20%20] 🟡DM JENN OVER ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/]

** Get Along to the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference in Melbourne on 29th August - tickets now on sale - https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference [https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference] Ready to unlock what "good growth" really means for your small business? In this episode of Small Business Made Simple, host Jen Donovan sits down with Sarah Howard, founder of Writers Australia and author of "Beyond Solo." Sarah shares her 18-year journey from solo freelancer to agency leader and dives deep into the realities of business growth—spoiler alert, it's not always about getting bigger! Jen and Sarah chat about why listening to your customers is key, the challenges (and rewards) of building a team, what to delegate or outsource, and how to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Plus, Sarah introduces the concept of the "A-Team Collective" and explains why it's absolutely OK to stay small if that's what suits you. If you've ever wondered how to grow your business on your own terms, manage people effectively, or even plan for your eventual exit, this episode is packed with practical advice, real stories, and plenty of inspiration to help you build a business—and a life—you love. Tune in and discover a new approach to business growth that's all about purpose, values, and freedom!

Episode 346 – Hashtags in 2025: Should You Still Bother? Let’s talk hashtags—the little pound sign that once ruled the social media world… but in 2025, are they still pulling their weight? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m cutting through the confusion and diving into what hashtags really do now, which platforms they still matter on, and whether you should keep using them or ditch them altogether. If you’re still popping #smallbizlife or #foryoupage into every post, but not seeing results—this episode is for you. You’ll learn: ✅ The truth about how hashtags work on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook in 2025 ✅ How many hashtags to use (and which ones to skip completely) ✅ The rise of keyword-rich captions and why they’re now more powerful than your tag strategy ✅ 5 things to focus on instead of obsessing over hashtags ✅ A fresh, simplified approach to social media that prioritises connection over confusion Hashtags aren’t dead—but they’re no longer your growth engine. They’re the seasoning, not the main meal. 🎧 Tune in now to learn what actually moves the needle in 2025 social media marketing. Or read the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/346

Episode 345 – How to Build a Micro Funnel in 24 Hours Think funnels are too complicated, too techy, or just plain too hard? Think again, lovely. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m showing you how to build a smart, simple micro funnel in just 24 hours—without losing your mind, spending weeks mapping things out, or writing a 67-email sequence. Whether you’re launching soon, need a quick win, or want to stop sending people to your homepage and hoping for the best—this episode is your sign to stop overthinking and start funnel-ing. You’ll learn: ✅ What a micro funnel is (and why it works so well for small business) ✅ The 3 essentials you need to get started today ✅ The simple steps: from freebie to follow-up email to next action ✅ How to promote your funnel without ads or a big list ✅ My favourite tools and a secret AI shortcut to make it even easier! ✨ This episode is perfect for service providers, e-commerce brands, coaches, creatives and anyone ready to stop chasing leads and start converting them. 🎧 Press play now or head to the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/345 Let’s build you a lead machine that works while you sleep—without needing a tech degree.

Episode 344 – The Lie of “Just Be Consistent”: Marketing Advice I Wish I’d Questioned Sooner We’ve all heard it: “Just be consistent.” It sounds helpful. Harmless. Even wise. But what if that well-meaning advice is leading you to burnout, bland marketing, and busywork with zero results? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m busting one of the biggest marketing myths out there—that consistency alone is the magic fix for your business visibility. (Spoiler: it’s not.) If you’re posting daily, showing up in stories, emailing your list religiously—and still wondering “Why isn’t this working?”—this one’s for you. Inside this episode: ✅ Why consistency without clarity leads to chaos ✅ The difference between strategy and survival posting ✅ What I wish I’d been told about content, messaging, and momentum ✅ How to reset your marketing to be consistent with purpose ✅ Three practical ways to make your marketing work harder (and feel lighter) ✨This is your permission slip to pause, rework what isn’t landing, and stop creating just for the sake of showing up. You’ll walk away with a refreshed view on consistency—one that’s aligned, strategic, and sustainable. Because being consistent should support your business, not drain it. 🎧 Tune in now or catch the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/344