Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer - podcast cover

Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer

Neal Schafferpodcast.nealschaffer.com
As Your Digital Marketing Coach, I am on a mission to provide you marketing professionals, agencies, entrepreneurs, and business owners expert advice, both from myself as well as my expert guests, on how to leverage Digital First Marketing to grow your business, one episode at a time, This podcast will include advice on a broad range of topics all with the commonality of being related to digital marketing and having actionable takeaways for your business. Topics discussed will include digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, influencer marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), blogging, podcasting, YouTube, video marketing, email marketing, marketing automation, artificial intelligence and Generative AI, as well as how to maximize digital marketing ROI from social media on sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Episodes

Marketing with Meaning: How to Build a Purpose-Driven Brand

Marketing isn't just about selling—it’s about purpose, meaning, and engagement. In this episode, I sit down with Minter Dial to explore how brands can align internal culture with external messaging, create meaningful customer relationships, and even incorporate play into work. We’ll also dive into the power of self-awareness and how knowing thyself can transform both business and life. This is an episode filled with inspiration and actionable insights. Guest Links Connect with Minter on Lin...

Mar 10, 202546 minEp. 407

The Death of Traditional Social Media Marketing (And What Comes Next)

Social media has changed, and if you're still using it like a business instead of a content creator, you're falling behind. The truth is, algorithms don’t care about follower count anymore—they care about content. So what does that mean for your business? You have two choices: become a content creator or leverage user-generated content. Which path will you choose? I’m breaking it all down in this episode. Learn More: Buy Digital Threads : https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon B...

Mar 07, 202515 minEp. 406

Beyond the Numbers: How to Unlock Marketing Insights That Drive Action

Data is everywhere in digital marketing, but are you truly using it to your advantage? In this episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast, I sit down with Brett Townsend, Senior VP of Strategy at Quester, to break down how brands can go beyond the numbers and uncover real insights that drive action. Marketing analytics is more than just reporting results—it’s about finding the hidden patterns and consumer narratives that can shape better campaigns, stronger products, and deeper customer...

Mar 04, 202539 minEp. 405

The LinkedIn Growth Hack No One Is Talking About (Yet!)

If you're trying to grow your business on LinkedIn but struggling to get traction, you’re not alone. What if I told you that LinkedIn content could be optimized just like SEO? In this episode, we’re diving into a brand-new way of approaching LinkedIn content—using AI tools that analyze top-performing posts and provide insights to maximize your reach and engagement. I’ll break down how these tools work, why I’m giving them my official thumbs up (even after recommending sticking to ChatGPT be...

Feb 28, 202511 minEp. 404

Brand Building is Not a Luxury—It’s a Growth Strategy

Brand awareness isn’t just for big companies with deep pockets—it’s a critical part of growing any business, including startups and small businesses. But many companies focus only on short-term sales and performance marketing, missing out on the long-term benefits of building a strong, recognizable brand. In this episode, I sit down with James Hurman, the founder of Previously Unavailable, to explore the science behind advertising effectiveness. James shares why businesses struggle to grow beyon...

Feb 25, 202538 minEp. 403

From Digital First to AI First

This episode explores the imperative shift from a digital-first mindset to an AI-first approach in marketing, emphasizing how to incorporate AI into internal processes for enhanced efficiency and creativity. Throughout, I discuss strategic alignment, process documentation, custom AI models, training with quality data, and automation for maximum impact. • Discussing the transition to an AI-first mindset • Importance of aligning AI with marketing objectives • Utilizing AI as a second opinion for m...

Feb 20, 202528 minEp. 402

Is AI Content Hurting Your Google Rankings? Insights from Originality.ai’s Jon Gillham

This episode dives into the pressing issue of AI's role in content marketing and its implications for search engine rankings. We discuss the risks of over-reliance on AI while emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality, originality, and a human touch in content creation. • Exploring the balance between AI efficiency and content quality • Google’s stance on AI content and implications for rankings • The role of Originalityai in ensuring high-quality content • Recent trends in AI-gener...

Feb 18, 202538 minEp. 401

400 Episodes, 7 Themes: The Digital Marketing Playbook for the Future

This 400th episode of this podcast revolves around insights into 7 pivotal digital marketing themes that have emerged from the top 25 episodes of my recent 100 over the last 2 years. You will learn how to integrate essential aspects like artificial intelligence, content creation, branding, and influencer partnerships to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. • Embracing AI for enhanced marketing efficiency • Importance of authentic content in social media • Developing strategic influencer...

Feb 15, 202534 minEp. 400

The Digital Marketing Success Cycle: A Smarter Way for Small Businesses to Grow with Dave Charest

Unlock the secrets of successful small business marketing with insights from Dave Charest, director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. Discover how even small, impactful actions can create "wow experiences" that fuel word-of-mouth marketing and elevate your brand's digital presence without emptying your wallet. Join us as we promise a transformation in your marketing approach, leveraging email, social channels, and automation to not only engage but also build lasting r...

Feb 11, 202544 minEp. 399

The Truth About Marketing Agencies: Why a Fractional CMO is Your Best Investment

Marketing is essential to growing your business, but hiring the right support can be confusing. Should you work with a marketing agency, bring in a consultant, or hire a Fractional CMO? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the wrong choice could mean wasted budget and minimal results. In this episode, I break down the differences between agencies, consultants, and fractional CMOS—so you can decide which is best for your business. I’ll share real insights from my experience in all three ...

Feb 06, 202519 minEp. 398

Why PR Still Matters in Digital Marketing (and How to Use It Effectively)

Elevate your marketing strategy by understanding the transformative power of public relations. Michelle Garrett shares expert insights on integrating PR with marketing efforts, emphasizing collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of writing in crafting compelling narratives. • PR as a game changer for brand visibility • Core writing skills as foundational for PR success • Understanding the role of AI in content creation • The evolving importance of press releases today • Integrating PR wi...

Feb 03, 202542 minEp. 397

Twitter is No Longer Social Media—What It Means for Your Brand

Twitter has always been a major player in social media, driving traffic and engagement for businesses. But things, as you well know, have changed. In this episode, I reveal why I believe Twitter is no longer a true social media platform and why I now classify it as "political media." Using my own data and observations, I break down how Twitter's algorithm prioritizes political content over business conversations, why engagement is dropping, and what this means for marketers. Most ...

Jan 30, 202517 minEp. 396

From Idea to Exit: Building an E-Commerce Empire with Neil Twa

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of e-commerce with Neil Twa, co-author of Almost Automated Income with FBA . Neil has spent over a decade helping businesses go from nothing to building scalable, profitable brands that thrive on platforms like Amazon, TikTok, and more. E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in digital marketing, offering incredible potential for entrepreneurs who are ready to identify profitable niches, connect with their ideal customers, ...

Jan 27, 202549 minEp. 395

Mastering Startup Marketing: Tips for Scaling on a Budget

Navigating the complex landscape of startup marketing presents unique challenges, from building brand awareness to defining audience and managing budgets. By adopting strategic approaches, startups can transform their marketing hurdles into opportunities for growth and success. Inspired by the books I have written, including my recent Digital Threads and Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth , here is my definitive guide to startup marketing, including advice on: • Building brand awareness thr...

Jan 23, 202533 minEp. 394

Revolutionizing Influencer Marketing with AI: Insights from Alexander Frolov, CEO of Hype Auditor

AI is redefining influencer marketing by enabling brands to identify the right influencers with unparalleled precision. In this episode, we discussed the transformative role of AI in influencer discovery, personalized outreach, and campaign performance analysis. • The continuous growth of influencer marketing and its increasing relevance • Importance of using AI for authentic influencer identification • Streamlining outreach processes through AI personalization • Enhancing campaign performance a...

Jan 21, 202547 minEp. 393

The Key to Becoming More Discoverable in 2025

This episode explores effective strategies for improving discoverability in 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to video content and content repurposing. Marketers are encouraged to leverage their existing assets and create tailored content to engage audiences on various platforms. • Importance of content as currency in digital marketing • Shift towards video-first strategies for discoverability • Understanding the need for tailored communication across platforms • The power of content ...

Jan 07, 202526 minEp. 392

Unlocking Counterintuitive Marketing Strategies with Nancy Harhut: Revolutionizing Marketing through Behavioral Science

What if embracing the imperfections in your brand could make it more appealing? Nancy Harhut, a leading expert in behavioral science and author of Using Behavioral Science in Marketing , joins us to reveal how counterintuitive marketing strategies can set your brand apart in a crowded market. Discover the unexpected power of acknowledging flaws and strategic misspellings in capturing attention and building consumer trust. Nancy's groundbreaking insights promise to transform your approach to...

Jan 03, 202541 minEp. 391

2025: The Year of the Democratization of Discoverability

Unlock the future of digital marketing with me as I guide you through the transformative concept of the democratization of discoverability. Ever wondered how to maintain your business's visibility without constantly churning out social media content? This episode promises to reveal how long-lasting content like blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos can be your key to enduring discoverability. We'll explore the rapidly changing landscape of search, driven by large language models and AI, ...

Jan 01, 202523 minEp. 390

The One Skill Every Marketer Needs (But Most Are Doing Wrong)

Networking, connections, and relationships—these are the lifeblood of professional success. Yet, in a world dominated by numbers and KPIs, it’s easy to lose sight of the people behind the metrics. Today’s episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast dives deep into how meaningful relationships—not just surface-level networking—can transform your career, your business, and your life. Joined by Jeff Lerner, fractional CMO and author of The Power of Relationships in Professional Growth, we’l...

Dec 20, 202448 minEp. 389

10 Things Marketers Can Learn from Authors [My Author Nation Recap]

I recently attended Author Nation, the premier conference for self-published authors in Las Vegas. While it might seem like fiction authors and digital marketers are worlds apart, the lessons I learned prove otherwise. From innovative uses of AI to the art of leveraging "borrowed audiences" and creating content that captivates through curiosity, authors are blazing trails that marketers can follow. Join me as I share 10 game-changing insights from Author Nation that will inspire your d...

Dec 07, 202433 minEp. 388

The Power of Clear Communication in Digital Marketing with Ben Guttmann

Unlock the secrets to mastering clear communication in digital marketing with insights from my guest, Ben Gutmann, a former marketing agency owner and professor. Ben shares his journey from leading a successful agency to penning his book "Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them," emphasizing the profound impact of simplicity in messaging. Discover how clear and fluent messages not only resonate with audiences but also drive successful marketing campaigns. Explore the ...

Nov 07, 202451 minEp. 387

Treat LinkedIn Like Instagram and Watch Your Visibility Soar

Think LinkedIn is just a network of stiff profiles? Think again! Treat it like a professional Instagram to boost your visibility. Visual content is king on LinkedIn, and I'm here to guide you on harnessing its power for maximum engagement and visibility. Learn how images can outperform other post types and discover effective content patterns by analyzing your LinkedIn newsfeed. I challenge you to embrace more genuine, human-centric imagery in your LinkedIn strategy. Tune in to learn the dat...

Nov 04, 202422 minEp. 386

The Intersection of Marketing and Customer Experience: A Conversation with Dan Gingiss

Unlock the potential of your business as we unveil the secrets to customer experience marketing with insights from expert Dan Gingiss. Imagine transforming dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates through memorable experiences that naturally generate positive buzz. Gain exclusive access to strategies that identify at-risk customers early, incorporating their feedback to enhance their journey and differentiate your brand through exceptional service. Whether you're a small business owner o...

Oct 30, 202450 minEp. 385

From Google to AI: Evolving Your SEO Tactics for Maximum Visibility

SEO. You might think you know everything about search engine optimization, but AI is changing the game more rapidly than ever. The new search landscape isn't just about Google anymore—AI-driven tools like Chat GPT are redefining visibility and relevance. How can your business adapt and even thrive in this evolving scenario? I'm diving into the latest trends and offering practical steps to future-proof your SEO strategy. So stay tuned to this next episode of the Your Digital Marketing C...

Oct 22, 202427 minEp. 384

Boost Your Online Visibility with Google Knowledge Panels and Social Media Signals with Dennis Yu

Unlock the secrets to boosting your online visibility and making your brand irresistible with Google Knowledge Panels. I sat down with digital marketing expert Dennis Yu to uncover the transformative power of social media signals in search results. Learn how genuine customer engagement and user-generated content can elevate your Google-ability and cement your credibility in the digital landscape. With a focus on authentic content across platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, Dennis prov...

Oct 04, 202454 minEp. 383

AI is About Innovating Your Approach, Not Prompt Engineering

A lot is being said about how to best use AI in your marketing, but there is one thing that needs to be said: ChatGPT is all about democratizing the use of AI. While understanding how to "prompt" an AI chatbot is important, what is more important is imagining the many different ways in which you can use this technology to help you work faster and/or smarter. And then implementing those ideas into reality. That is what this episode is all about: It's all about innovating your appro...

Oct 01, 202424 minEp. 382

Mastering Personality-Led Growth: Andy Lambert on Customer Understanding and Brand Building

Today we dive deep into the world of personality-led growth and brand building with our special guest, Andy Lambert, co-founder of ContentCal and Senior Product Manager at Adobe Express. In this episode, we explore the crucial role of understanding customer pain points, especially in the realms of remote work and inside sales. Throughout the episode, Andy highlights the evolution of social media from a sales channel to a platform for building genuine relationships, the importance of influencer a...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 381

It's Time to Ditch Your Social Media Scheduler

Can rethinking your approach to social media scheduling drastically improve your engagement? Find out as I challenge the conventional reliance on scheduling tools and advocate for a more hands-on, direct engagement strategy. Today's episode is all about rethinking a common tool in our digital marketing toolbox: the social media scheduler. Inspired by my work on revising "Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth" and my analysis of various content types, I've come to realize th...

Sep 24, 202422 minEp. 380

Understanding the Rise and Benefits of Fractional CMOs with John Jantsch

Today I have a fascinating discussion lined up for you as I sit down with marketing expert and founder of Duct Tape Marketing, John Jantsch, to unpack the growing popularity of Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (fCMOs). John and I explore how the pandemic and the rise of remote work have accelerated this trend, enabling Fractional CMOs to collaborate with multiple startups simultaneously and offer them critical strategic leadership. John shares insights from his recent survey on Fractional CMO...

Sep 20, 202439 minEp. 379

Introducing Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth

In this episode we are diving into the secrets of maximizing LinkedIn for business growth. I introduces my new book, Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: A Practical Guide to Building Your Brand and Driving Results , which officially published on September 17, 2024. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, entrepreneur, or just looking to enhance your LinkedIn game, this episode promises to provide actionable tips and expert advice to help you thrive. Tune in for a sneak peek of my new book ...

Sep 18, 202421 minEp. 378