Small Business Made Simple Podcast

** Come Along to the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference in Melbourne - in August - get your tickets here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference   The Real Reason Businesses Are Closing (And How to Stay Ahead) - Podcast Episode 349 Innovation. It's not just a buzzword, it's the lifeline of business. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm diving into what happens when businesses stop evolving. Spoiler alert: they start disappearing. Think iconic brands like Katies and Just Jeans or long-running shows like The Project and Q&A, gone, not because they weren't loved, but because they didn't innovate. So, let me ask you this, when was the last time you did something innovative in your business? In this honest and action-packed episode, I explore: What innovation really means for small business owners (and no, it's not just shiny tech) Why marketing and innovation are the only two things that truly matter in business How I'm walking the innovation talk by launching the 2025 Social Media & Marketing Conference Whether you're stuck in the “this is how we've always done it” cycle or ready to shake things up, this episode is your nudge (or maybe your push!) to get curious, get courageous, and start innovating. Tune in now, because doing what you've always done may not get you where you want to go next.

EPISODE 348: Is PR the Most Underrated Marketing Strategy for Small Business? With Liz Nable 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).

** 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 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.

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.

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.

Struggling to make LinkedIn work for your small business? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Clark from Athletic Koala, a digital marketing expert who's cracked the code on using LinkedIn for real business growth — especially in 2025. We dive into how to build a community on LinkedIn, use content to position yourself as a subject matter expert, and why giving away your best knowledge is the best marketing strategy you've got. You'll learn why old-school Facebook and Google Ads just aren't cutting it anymore, how to get over your fear of video, and exactly what types of posts are working on LinkedIn right now. This one's practical, insightful, and peppered with Michael's signature wit and wisdom — perfect for small biz owners who are ready to make LinkedIn their top sales platform.  

Episode 342 – What Running a Podcast for 6+ Years Has Taught Me About Consistency (and When to Quit Something) After more than 6 years, 340+ episodes, and a truckload of cuppas... I've learned a thing or two about showing up. Especially when no one's clapping yet. In this reflective, real-talk episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm sharing the truth about consistency—what it actually looks like, what it costs, and when it's okay to quit (or at least press pause). Whether you're podcasting, posting on social, writing newsletters, or trying to stay visible in your business without burning out—this is the pep talk you didn't know you needed. We're chatting: ✅ How consistency builds trust—and why that matters more than fancy funnels ✅ The sneaky difference between quitting and pivoting ✅ Why Episode 1 nearly didn't happen (and what made me hit publish anyway) ✅ Five lessons from six years behind the mic—warts, wins, and all ✅ When to reflect, when to rest, and when to just keep going This episode is for the small business owner who's ever thought: “Is anyone even watching?” “Does this even matter?” “Should I just quit?”

Episode 341 – Are You Ready for Zero-Click Content? Let's Talk Algorithms Still obsessing over click-throughs and link clicks? You're not alone—but in 2025, it might be time to shift your strategy. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, we're diving into zero-click content—what it is, why the algorithms love it, and how your business can thrive even when no one's clicking your links. If you're pouring time into content and wondering why people aren't “taking action,” it might be because they already got what they needed… right there in the scroll. ✨ The scroll economy is here, and it's changing the way we create, connect, and convert. In this value-packed chat, you'll learn: ✅ What zero-click content is (and why it's not as scary as it sounds) ✅ How algorithms are rewarding in-feed, stay-put content more than ever ✅ Why giving the goods up front builds trust, visibility and long-term connection ✅ My four go-to strategies for creating high-performing, scroll-stopping content ✅ How to measure success when traditional clicks are dropping Spoiler alert: just because they're not clicking doesn't mean they're not converting.

Episode 340 – The Rise of Searchless Marketing: How to Be Found Without Being Googled What if your next customer never Googles you? Welcome to the world of searchless marketing—where your dream clients are finding you without searching for your name, your website, or your keywords. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm diving into the 2025 trend that's turning traditional search strategies on their head—being discovered without being looked for. If you've been pouring effort into SEO, blogs, and Google listings—but still not seeing results—this episode will show you where attention is going (and how to meet your audience there). We'll unpack: ✅ What “searchless marketing” means and why it's growing fast ✅ The scroll economy vs. the search economy (and how to win in both) ✅ 6 ways to boost visibility without relying on Google ✅ Why shareability, memorability and collaboration are your new best friends ✅ Tools to help you show up in feed, in inboxes and in conversations ✨ This episode is for e-commerce brands, service-based businesses, local legends and regional trailblazers alike—if you want to grow without relying on the algorithm gods or page-one Google rankings, this one's for you.

Episode 339 – AI Ethics in Your Marketing in 2025: What Small Biz Owners Need to Know AI is writing our captions, helping with email campaigns, and brainstorming blog titles—but just because we can use it for everything... should we? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm diving head-first into the big conversation we need to be having in 2025—how to use AI ethically in your marketing without sounding like a robot, losing trust, or forgetting your voice in the process. If you've ever: ✅ Copied and pasted an AI-generated caption that didn't sound quite like you ✅ Wondered whether you should credit AI when it helps you write content ✅ Set up auto-DMs that feel a bit... soulless ✅ Or worried about accidentally plagiarising from AI-sourced content... Then this is your must-listen episode. We'll unpack: What ethical AI use actually means for small business owners in 2025 Real-life pitfalls (like made-up facts and “Love this!” bot replies

Episode 338 – Is Your Expertise Your Marketing Problem? Are you accidentally getting in your own way when it comes to your marketing? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm asking the question many small business owners should be asking in 2025 — could your expertise actually be the problem in your messaging? If your marketing looks good on paper — you know your audience, your platforms, your niche — but it's still not converting into leads or sales, this episode is for you. Together, we'll unpack: ✅ Why “expert language” can disconnect you from your ideal customer ✅ What's keeping your customer up at 3 a.m. (hint: it's not “clinically proven formulas”) ✅ Real examples of how to shift your copy from product features to emotional resonance ✅ A proven, four-step customer-centric copy formula you can use right away ✅ A dead-simple AI tip to check whether your copy is actually customer-first From e-commerce and service providers to coaches, creatives, and consultants — this episode will help you flip the script and write copy that connects, converts and communicates real value.

5 Big Myths Holding Your Business Back – Are You Falling for Them?

Curious about how a CRM system can revolutionise your small business? In this episode, I chat with CRM expert Freda Ma, who demystifies customer relationship management systems, sharing practical tips to boost efficiency and improve customer interactions. Tune in to discover how the right CRM can simplify your marketing, nurture relationships, and free up your time for the things that matter most.

Podcast Blurb: Episode 330 – The Big Change to Google That Will Affect Your Website Visits Ready to tackle the latest disruption in the digital world? In episode 330 of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, we dive into the game-changing new feature from Google: AI Overviews in search results. These automated answers are shaking up the way customers find information—and it's a shift every business owner needs to know about. Join me as we unpack: What Google's AI Overviews mean for your website traffic. The golden opportunities hidden in "People Also Ask" and "People Also Search For" sections. How to adapt your content strategy to stay visible and relevant in 2025. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting to leverage AI for growth, this episode will give you actionable tips to keep your business thriving in the evolving search landscape.

[SUMMER SERIES] The Year I said YES - yep I said yes for a WHOLE year and on this episode I explain what happened, the doors it opened and the amazing things that happened because I had the courage to say yes! Take a listen to episode 328 and hear the GOLD! Get inspired for your 2025!  

[SUMMER SERIES] 3 Reasons Why You're Not Converting More Sales – Episode 327 Welcome to another episode of the Small Business Made Simple podcast, part of our special Summer Series. This week, Jenn Donovan is diving deep into a topic that every business owner needs to master – sales. We've all heard it: Sales is tough. But what if it doesn't have to be? In this episode, Jenn shares her no-nonsense approach to increasing your sales conversions by addressing the real reasons why you're not seeing the results you want. From eliminating negative self-talk to truly believing in your product, Jenn gives you actionable steps to shift your mindset and focus on what matters most – your customer. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The truth about negative self-talk and why it's killing your sales How doubt about your product is holding you back and how to fix it The crucial mistake of trying to outsmart your customers and why listening is your superpower Plus, a bonus tip: why following up is non-negotiable for sales success Jenn delivers tough love and actionable tips to help you improve your sales strategy and achieve the success you deserve. Whether you love sales or dread them, this episode is a must-listen to help you take control and convert more sales. Press play and tune into the Summer Series podcast now. Don't miss out on transforming your sales game for 2025!

[SUMMER SERIES] How to Plan Your Marketing – Episode 326 Welcome to a special episode of the Small Business Made Simple podcast, where Jenn Donovan brings you the Summer Series – a collection of some of the most impactful episodes to help you take your business to the next level. Whether you're relaxing over the holidays or gearing up for the new year, this episode will guide you through the essential steps to plan your marketing strategy for 2025. Jenn dives into why strategic marketing is more critical than ever. With the AI revolution on the horizon, the landscape of business is shifting fast, and it's essential to be proactive. She shares practical advice on how to double down on marketing in tough times, why building a community is key to business success, and how investing in yourself and your business can set you up for growth in 2025. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and tune in to discover how you can start planning for the future – and make 2025 your best year yet. Don't miss out on Jenn's insights, and remember, the key to success is action. Listen now, and let's make next year a year to thrive! Are you currently working on a marketing strategy for the new year, or are you still in the planning phase?  

[Summer Series] The Seven Things I'm Doing Whilst “Taking a Break” - Episode 325 Hey there, it's Jenn! After six incredible years of weekly podcasting, I'm mixing things up with a Summer Series to give myself a little breather. This episode revisits the seven things I tackled during last year's “break” (yes, that's in quotes because, as business owners, is it ever a real break?). From refreshing my speaker and media kits, updating my website, and auditing my digital chaos to mapping out goals and podcast ideas for 2024, I'm sharing the practical steps I take to set myself and my business up for success in the year ahead. What about you? Are you shutting down completely, or like me, balancing a bit of work with some well-deserved rest? Whatever your plans, I want 2024 to be your best year yet. And to help kick things off, I've got a FREE webinar on January 18th, all about marketing in 2024 – the trends, changes, and essentials small business owners need to know. Join me live or catch the recording. Register here: https://bit.ly/marketing2024Jenn. Enjoy this Summer Series episode, and don't forget to join the Like Minded Business Owners Facebook group to share your plans for the year ahead. Let's make 2024 amazing together! Big love, Jenn

Digital Marketing is Transforming: Are You Ready? – Small Business Made Simple Podcast, Episode 321 The digital landscape is shifting fast, and if you're a small business owner, you need to be prepared! In this episode, Jenn dives into the game-changing transformations happening right now, like how ChatGPT has added web search capabilities, and what this means for your marketing strategy. Building on insights from past episodes, Jenn unpacks simple, actionable ways you can adapt to these changes without feeling overwhelmed. You'll learn why prioritizing problem-solving content is now a must, how to optimize for conversational searches (no more plain product posts!), and why short-form videos are key to standing out. Whether you're ready to embrace the shift or you're clinging to traditional strategies, this episode will give you clear steps to ensure your marketing aligns with the new digital age. Don't miss this chance to get ahead in 2025 – tune in now to stay relevant, visible, and impactful!

It's that time of the year when we might be thinking of throwing some money behind some Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram). Before you do, listen to this episode that goes through the THREE biggest mistakes I see business owners making when it comes to doing Digital Ads on Meta. Click play now, or head over to www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/319 for more details. Let's take your marketing from "meh" to massive success! Take a listen to episode 319 and hear the GOLD!

When is Enough, Enough in Business? When Do You Call it Quits? | Episode 318 Ever feel like your business is sucking the life out of you? In this tough but necessary conversation, I dive into the question all business owners dread: when is it time to call it quits? I've had a few heartfelt, teary chats with clients this week that inspired this episode, and although it's not an easy one, it's one we need to talk about. If you're questioning whether to push through or let go, I'll walk you through the difference between being persistent and just plain stubborn in your business. You'll hear real talk on when to step back, reflect on your business model, and maybe even change the path to reach your big, hairy audacious goals. This episode isn't about giving advice—every business is different, but it might help you think about things in a new light. Listen in, grab a coffee (or maybe something stronger!), and let's get real about when enough might be enough. Tune in now and don't forget—no matter what, there's no point in dreaming small!

In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple podcast, Jenn Donovan chats with Lisa from Life Balance Essentials about how outsourcing and effective life admin can transform your business. Lisa shares valuable tips on managing overwhelming inboxes, creating effective to-do lists, and how AI can support busy entrepreneurs. If you're struggling to keep up with life and business admin, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now for practical strategies and insights that will help you work smarter, not harder. Don't miss out—listen to the full episode today! Click play now, or head over to www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/316 for more details.  Take a listen to episode 316 and hear the GOLD!

In Episode 314 of the Small Business Made Simple podcast, Jenn Donovan is joined by Emma Lovell, a dynamic pleasure coach and author of The Art of Pleasure. Together, they explore the crucial balance between business and leisure, and how small business owners can create more joy and freedom in their lives—without sacrificing success. Whether you're feeling the burnout or simply craving more balance, this episode is packed with practical tips on combining work, travel, and self-care for a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss out! Tune in to Episode 314 now, and start transforming your work-life balance today. Find all the show notes at socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/314.  

Unlock your small business's marketing potential with three must-do weekly strategies! In this episode of Small Business Made Simple, Jenn Donovan shares her top tips to help you show up, reach out, and create impactful content. These practical, no-nonsense tactics will keep your business thriving. Tune in now! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/311 Take a listen to episode 311 and hear the GOLD!

Do you use AI in your business daily? Use a program like ChatGPT to help you plan, help you with content, help you with bouncing ideas around? No? Well this episode is all about showing you why you should! And there's a fabulous downloadable freebie with week too! We know things are tough right now and this episode is probably exactly what you need to hear - so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/310 Take a listen to episode 310 and hear the GOLD!

Want some simple habits to manage your money and supercharge your profits as a business owner? Of course you do! My guest this week is Justine McLean and her new book is called Become a Business Money Magnet and she has LOADS of tips, tricks and financial advice to give us. We know things are tough right now and this episode is probably exactly what you need to hear - so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/309 Take a listen to episode 309 and hear the GOLD!

Other than social media, what marketing do you do in your business? Need some “not social media marketing” inspiration? Well the podcast episode this week is full of such inspo. We talk about Collaborations, QR Codes, Lumpy Mail and more! You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/308 Take a listen to episode 308 and hear the GOLD!

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and what do they mean for a small business? What's a for purpose small business and how does it work? All these questions and more answered on today's podcast episode titled: What is a for Purpose Business? And How Do the UN SDGs Work? You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/307 Take a listen to episode 307 and hear the GOLD!

11 Business Tools I cannot live without – that's what I am chatting to you about on the podcast today. From email marketing providers to video hosts and repurposing content – all covered in this week's episode. You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/306 Take a listen to episode 306 and hear the GOLD!

How do you make your MONEY work for YOU? How do you create more WEALTH? These are the questions my guest, Jackson Millan, the Wealth Mentor, answers on the podcast today – along with loads of other important bits of information to consume! You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/305 Take a listen to episode 305 and hear the GOLD!

10 things to do today to Future Proof your business. That's the topic for today because we are in an economic crisis and small business is suffering, so what can we do? Today, I have you 10 tips or 10 nudges! You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/304 Take a listen to episode 304 and hear the GOLD!

Today we are again talking about websites, but this time we are looking at how we can be more “green” when it comes to our websites. Ray from True Green Hosting talks us through what our carbon footprint for our website looks like and gives us tips on how we can be better. You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/303 Take a listen to episode 303 and hear the GOLD!

Websites – we spend so much time building them, driving traffic to them and worrying about them … we forget to maintain them with great marketing! On this podcast episode, I go through 5 Things to Change on Your Website Today. You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/302 Take a listen to episode 302 and hear the GOLD!

Connection, Curiosity and Community – the three BIG C's in marketing in 2024. Join Jenn Donovan, your host, and Kerryn Powell from Your Time Matters as we talk through the three c's and how they are simply keys to more business. You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/301 Take a listen to episode 301 and hear the GOLD!

300 episodes BABY! Yep, today we celebrate 300 episodes with some behind the scenes content, some “Jenn” thoughts on the marketing world back then and now and lots of bits and pieces to make your business life simpler in one episode! You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/300 Take a listen to episode 300 and hear the GOLD!

How's your life going? Not your business life – your ACTUAL life? My guest this week Sammi Jaeger is talking to us about having a Fuelled up Life and what that might look for. She walks us through the 8 Tanks we need to be thinking about to have a Fuelled Up Life. You need this as a Small Business Owner – so listen in! You can find the show notes and in listen here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/299 Take a listen to episode 299 and hear the GOLD!