Small Businesses: Do THIS to Make Selling Easier | EP13

Why are people visiting my website but not becoming customers?

Have you looked at your website lately... really looked at it? Not as the business owner who already knows where everything is, but as someone who's seeing it for the first time. If it's been a while, you might be surprised by what's helping you and what's quietly driving customers away. In this episode of Underestimated, Shawna Suckow walks through eight simple updates that can make your website work a whole lot harder, from writing a stronger homepage headline to making it ridiculously easy for customers to contact you. She also shares why real stories, real people, and conversational writing are becoming more important than ever. Before you spend money on a website redesign, start here. If you're a small business owner struggling with: • a website that isn't generating enough leads • low website conversions • standing out from competitors • outdated website messaging • building trust online • improving your website without a complete redesign You'll learn: ✔ How to write a stronger hero headline ✔ Why customers care more about outcomes than services ✔ What belongs directly below your hero section ✔ How storytelling builds credibility faster than a list of accomplishments ✔ Why video creates trust faster than text alone ✔ The easiest way to improve your contact page ✔ Why your About Us page matters more than ever ✔ How GEO and AI search are changing website content ✔ Why conversational writing helps both customers and AI understand your business Shawna shares examples for: • Handymen • CPAs • Credit unions • Home service businesses • Professional speakers • Any small business that depends on trust Who This Episode Is For This episode is for small business owners who know their website could be working harder. Whether it's been six months or six years since you really looked at it, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can start improving one page at a time. Final Takeaway You don't need a brand-new website to get better results. Often, small changes to your messaging, structure, and customer experience make a much bigger difference than an expensive redesign. Episode page + full transcript: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-22 [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-22] CONNECT WITH SHAWNA Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow [https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow] Visit: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com] Newsletter: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter] Free Small Business Marketing Resources: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault] #SmallBusinessMarketing #WebsiteMarketing #SmallBusinessWebsite #CustomerTrust #WebsiteDesign #GEO #SEO #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneur If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another small business owner. Subscribe to Shawna's Small Business Marketing Non-Snoozeletter and get free marketing resources at www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [http://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault].

Am I Missing Easy Holiday Marketing Ideas That Actually Get Attention?

Do your holiday promotions look exactly like everyone else's? If every holiday means another stock graphic and another predictable sale, your customers probably aren't giving it a second glance. In this episode of Underestimated, Shawna Suckow shares some of her favorite ways to use both traditional holidays and wonderfully weird national holidays to get customers talking, laughing, participating, and remembering your business. You'll hear practical ideas you can steal, simple ways to involve your customers without spending much money, and why participation almost always beats another discount. If you're looking for inexpensive marketing ideas that actually help your small business stand out, this episode is packed with them. If you're a small business owner struggling with: • holiday promotions that feel repetitive • low engagement on social media • standing out against larger competitors • relying too much on discounts • finding inexpensive marketing ideas • keeping customers engaged throughout the year You'll learn: ✔ Why unusual holidays often outperform major holidays ✔ How to create promotions customers actually participate in ✔ Ways to encourage user-generated content ✔ How collaborations with other local businesses expand your reach ✔ Why memorable marketing builds stronger customer relationships ✔ How AI can help brainstorm creative holiday campaigns This episode also explores: • customer engagement • social media marketing • community partnerships • local business promotion • publicity opportunities • creative content ideas • affordable marketing strategies Who This Episode Is For This episode is for small business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, retailers, service businesses, and anyone looking for inexpensive ways to stay visible and memorable throughout the year. Final Takeaway Customers remember businesses that give them something fun to participate in. You don't have to wait for Christmas or Black Friday to create meaningful engagement. Sometimes the smallest, strangest holidays become the biggest marketing opportunities. Episode page + full transcript: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-21 [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-21] Timestamps 00:00 Thank You to Listeners 01:15 Why Holiday Marketing Matters 03:20 Skip the Predictable Promotions 06:30 Creative Fourth of July Ideas 10:05 Weird Holidays That Spark Engagement 14:15 National Dog Month Marketing 18:30 Participation Beats Promotion 22:10 Create Your Own Holiday 25:10 Using Holiday Marketing for PR 28:15 Local Collaborations That Grow Your Audience 31:05 Final Holiday Marketing Challenge CONNECT WITH SHAWNA Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow [https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow] Visit: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com] Newsletter: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter] Free Small Business Marketing Resources: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault] If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps more small business owners discover Underestimated. Subscribe to Shawna's Small Business Marketing Non-Snoozeletter and download free marketing resources at www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [http://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault].

How Do I Build Customer Loyalty That Big Competitors Can't Steal?

How do you build customer loyalty so strong that customers stay with you even when larger competitors show up with lower prices? In this episode of Underestimated, Shawna Suckow sits down with Sandy Hendrick, Marketing Manager at HTC, an Internet Service Provider in Conway, SC, to talk about what it takes to stay community-focused while growing a business. Sandy shares how HTC competes against national brands like Google Fiber, Verizon, and more, without racing to the bottom on price; why authentic local connections create lasting loyalty; and how simple community partnerships can generate trust, visibility, and customer retention. If you're looking for ways to stand out without a massive marketing budget, this conversation is packed with practical ideas. If you're a small business owner struggling with: * Competing against larger competitors * Customers who only care about price * Building customer loyalty * Standing out in a crowded market * Limited marketing budgets * Creating meaningful community connections * Keeping your brand human as you grow You'll learn: * Why competing on price creates the wrong kind of customer * How community involvement builds long-term loyalty * The difference between visibility and connection * Why consistency beats perfection * Simple event ideas that create big results * How growing businesses can stay true to their identity Shawna and Sandy discuss real examples including: * Business member spotlights * Community partnerships * Local event activations * Customer loyalty strategies * Social media engagement tactics * HTC's "out-of-the-blue" events * The Real Kids community program Who This Episode Is For This episode is for small business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders who want to create loyal customers, stronger community connections, and a sustainable competitive advantage that isn't based on being the cheapest option. Episode page + full transcript: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-20 [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-20] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Meet Sandy Hendrick 05:18 Biggest marketing mistakes 12:37 Building stronger partnerships 18:55 AI and the future of marketing 28:14 Key takeaways 34:40 Final advice CONNECT WITH SHAWNA * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow [https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow] * Visit: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/https://www.thebuyerinsider.com [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com] * Newsletter: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter] * Free Small Business Marketing Resources: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault] Please like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found it helpful! Subscribe to Shawna's Small Business Marketing Non-Snoozeletter and get free marketing resources here: www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [http://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault]

How Do I Get My First Customers With No Marketing Budget? | Small Business Growth Tips 2026

How do I get my first customers with no marketing budget? If you're a new business, building trust can feel impossible when you don't have reviews, referrals, testimonials, or a track record. In this episode of Underestimated, Shawna Suckow shares creative ways small business owners can attract customers, build credibility, and generate buzz without spending a fortune on advertising. You'll hear real examples from a trade show startup, a roofer, a painter, a chiropractor, and beauty service providers who use experiences, stories, and social proof to stand out. If you're wondering how to get customers when nobody knows who you are yet, this episode is packed with ideas you can put to work immediately. If you're a small business owner struggling with: * getting your first customers * building trust without reviews * standing out from established competitors * generating referrals and word of mouth * creating marketing content people actually notice * attracting customers without discounting * growing a business with a limited marketing budget this episode will help you rethink how you build credibility when you're starting from scratch. You'll learn: ✔ How do I get customers when nobody knows my business yet? ✔ What can I do instead of spending money on advertising? ✔ How can I build trust before I have reviews? ✔ What types of experiences create word-of-mouth marketing? ✔ How do I turn customers into testimonials and referrals? ✔ Why do some businesses become memorable while others get ignored? ✔ What marketing assets should every new business be collecting? ✔ How can I stand out in a crowded local market? Who This Episode Is For This episode is for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers who are trying to attract customers without a large advertising budget. It is especially relevant if you are launching a new business, entering a competitive market, struggling to gain visibility, or trying to build trust before you have an established reputation. Episode page + full transcript: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-19 [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-19] CONNECT WITH SHAWNA: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow [https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow] Visit: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/https://www.thebuyerinsider.com [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com] Newsletter: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/newsletter] Free Small Business Marketing Resources: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault] #SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingStrategy #CustomerTrust #BuyerBehavior #EntrepreneurMarketing #SmallBusinessTips #Marketing2026 #BusinessGrowth #CustomerExperience #BrandTrust #DigitalMarketingStrategy #MarketingForSmallBusiness Please like and subscribe to help Shawna reach more small business owners! Subscribe to Shawna's Small Business Marketing Non-Snoozeletter, and get free marketing resources here: www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault [http://www.thebuyerinsider.com/vault]

Can AI Run Parts of My Business So I Can Get My Time Back? | Small Business Automation 2026 | EP18

Why does running your business feel harder as revenue grows? Many small business owners discover that more clients, more sales, and more opportunities often create more stress, not more freedom. In this episode of Underestimated, Shawna Suckow talks with AI business strategist Alison Simmons about how small business owners can use AI and systems to reduce overwhelm, reclaim their time, and scale more efficiently. Alison shares how a breaking point during a family road trip led her to build AI-powered workflows that handle repetitive tasks, improve accountability, and help business owners focus on the work they actually enjoy. If you’re a small business owner struggling with: • feeling buried in administrative work• spending too much time managing tasks instead of growing your business• inconsistent systems and processes• hiring challenges and rising payroll costs• keeping projects organized across multiple clients• balancing business growth with family time• scaling without adding more stress this episode will help you rethink how AI can support your business operations. You’ll learn: ✔ How can AI help small business owners get time back each week? ✔ What business tasks should AI handle and which should stay human? ✔ How can AI improve accountability and team communication? ✔ What is an AI-powered business dashboard? ✔ How can Notion become a central operating system for your business? ✔ How do AI systems help service businesses scale more efficiently? ✔ What guardrails should business owners use when implementing AI? ✔ Why should entrepreneurs learn AI systems instead of relying on someone else to build them? Shawna shares examples including: • website designers • service-based businesses • coaches and consultants • online business owners • brick-and-mortar businesses • retail operations • restaurant management • marketing and content creation This episode also explores: • small business automation • AI for entrepreneurs • business systems • workflow automation • productivity for business owners • AI project management • Notion for business • AI-powered operations • business efficiency • scaling a small business • time management for entrepreneurs • operational accountability Who This Episode Is For This episode is for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers who are navigating growth while feeling stretched too thin. It is especially relevant if you are spending too much time inside your business, managing repetitive tasks, juggling projects, or struggling to create systems that allow your business to operate without constant oversight. Final Takeaway AI is not about replacing people. It is about reducing unnecessary friction so business owners can focus on strategy, relationships, creativity, and growth. Alison's approach demonstrates that the right systems can help entrepreneurs regain control of their schedules, reduce stress, and build businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them. The goal is not to do more work. The goal is to create more freedom while continuing to grow. Episode page + full transcript: https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-18 [https://www.thebuyerinsider.com/podcast/episode-18] CONNECT WITH ALISON SIMMONS Free training and more info here: www.leadsmarterco.com Subscribe to her newsletter here: https://thecaffeinatedentrepreneur.com/ CONNECT WITH SHAWNA: • Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnaSuckow