Podcasts about marketing society

I sat down with Santa Scott himself for this one, and yes, I mean a real, professional Santa Claus with 51 years of experience. If you're a family photographer thinking about adding Santa minis to your holiday lineup this year (or making them run smoother than last year), this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insight you won't find in a Facebook group thread.Santa Scott has been portraying Santa Claus for over five decades, starting at age 16 when he suited up for a little girl whose kindergarten teacher told her Santa wasn't real. He now works with multiple family photographers across Middle Tennessee and brings professional training, intentional presence, and a whole lot of Christmas magic to every session.What you'll hear in this episodeThe origin story behind Santa Scott's 51-year careerHow to find a trusted, reliable Santa in your area, and yes, Facebook groups CAN be helpfulGreen flags and red flags to watch for when hiring a Santa for your sessionsWhy Santa believes he works for three people, and how that mindset changes everythingThe exact time slot sweet spot for Santa sessions (hint: 5-minute slots are rough)The biggest mistakes family photographers make when running holiday sessionsSanta's go-to strategy for warming up a nervous, crying child (it involves toys on the floor)How to price your Santa minis so you cover real costs and still stay profitableThree action steps to take right now if you want Santa minis on your fall calendarResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/santa-mini-sessions-for-photographers/▸ The Santa Mini Session Marketing Playbook (no code necessary): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/santa-mini-session-marketing-playbook (no coupon code needed)▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Santa Scott:

You know SEO matters for your photography business. You have heard it a hundred times. But every time you sit down to actually do it, you freeze up, second-guess yourself, and end up scrolling Instagram instead. Sound familiar?In this episode, I'm sitting down with SEO strategist Brittany Herzberg to break down how to build an SEO system you can actually maintain as a solo family photographer. Brittany is the creator of the SEO and Grow method and the host of the Basic B podcast. She went from being a massage therapist who could barely make rent to accidentally discovering that SEO was the reason clients were finding her online. Now she teaches established entrepreneurs how to stop chasing clients on social media and start getting found on Google. She also serves as the SEO strategist inside The Family Photographer's Marketing Society, where she teaches foundational SEO skills to our members every single month.What you'll hear in this episodeWhy family photographers get stuck between knowing SEO matters and actually doing itA realistic monthly SEO routine that takes one to six hours (not one to six hours per week)How to plan a quarter of blog content using just two types of postsThe one URL mistake that is costing you keyword space on Google (and how to fix it)Why renaming your image files before uploading is one of the fastest SEO winsHow to turn a basic gallery blog post into an actual SEO assetWhat AI search (GEO, AEO) actually means for family photographers (spoiler: your starting point has not changed)The 15-minute exercise to do before you ever touch keyword researchHow SEO maintenance mode works without draining your energyResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-to-build-seo-system-family-photographer/▸ Get the Blogging & Visibility System For Family Photographers (only $37): https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/organic-marketing-blogging-system-yt/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Check out the SEO Sprint HERE: https://brittanyherzberg.com/5-day-seo-sprint-intensiveConnect with Brittany Herzberg

You know that moment when a new inquiry hits your inbox, and you freeze? Not because you don't want to respond, but because you can't remember what you said last time, whether you should mention pricing, or where that one email template went? Yeah. That's what happens when your entire business lives in your head.In this episode, I'm walking you through five specific AI prompts you can use today to build out the SOPs your family photography business has been missing. We're talking your client inquiry response, your session prep workflow, your gallery delivery process, your review and referral request system, and your content batching workflow. I give you the exact prompt language, what you should get back from AI, and how to personalize each draft so it sounds like you and not like a robot wrote it.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/ai-prompts-family-photographers-sops/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Former Dove CMO Alessandro Manfredi joins That's What I Call Marketing to discuss Dove Real Beauty, brand fundamentals, AI, creative effectiveness and why marketing may be losing some of its professionalism. Alessandro spent 28 years at Unilever and played a major role in the growth of Dove, one of the most famous examples of long-term brand building in modern marketing. In this conversation, he explains why Dove's success was not built on purpose alone, but on product quality, emotional connection, research, innovation, communication architecture and strategic rigour. Thanks to the Marketing Society of Ireland for organising this event. Tracksuit cares deeply about marketing professionalism and have introduced Tracksuit University to close the gap between Marketing and the C Suite and you can get 20% Off with an exclusive TWICM Discout - use the code thatswhaticallmarketing at https://university.gotracksuit.com/This episode is for marketers, CMOs, brand leaders, strategists and agency teams who want to understand what it really takes to build brands that last.What you will learn:Why marketing is losing some of its professionalism and trainingHow Dove Real Beauty moved the brand from product love to emotional connectionWhy “people don't buy beautiful ideas” without strong products behind themWhat Alessandro means by brand fundamentalsWhy AI is powerful for execution, but not a replacement for strategyHow CMOs can reclaim strategic influence without making it a power grabWhy brands need to shape culture rather than chase trendsHow purpose can work when it is grounded in a real human tensionWhat smaller marketing teams can learn from Dove's approach to creativity, insight and rigourChapters:03:35 From academia to Unilever and Dove06:22 The origins of Dove Real Beauty09:37 Why marketing is losing strategic discipline12:03 How Dove grew over 20 years14:23 Research, insight and emotional connection19:30 Why people do not buy beautiful ideas alone20:41 Brand fundamentals and communication architecture22:54 Why AI is not strategy24:32 Working with agencies and strategic planners25:48 The three elements of bulletproof brand fundamentals29:34 Purpose, North Star and shaping culture33:09 Creative effectiveness: culture, talent and rigour36:50 What smaller marketing teams can learn from Dove37:26 Handling criticism of Real Beauty39:04 Social media, mental health and marketers' responsibility41:23 Life after Dove and Unilever44:37 Where to find Alessandro ManfrediGuest: Alessandro ManfrediHost: Conor ByrnePodcast: That's What I Call MarketingFind out more about Alessandro Manfredi: aleikigai.comLearn more about Tracksuit: gotracksuit.comSubscribe for more conversations with leading marketers, CMOs, brand builders, strategists and creative leaders. https://www.thatswhaticallmarketing.com/#Marketing #BrandBuilding #Dove #RealBeauty #CMO #BrandStrategy #CreativeEffectiveness #AIInMarketing #Unilever #MarketingLeadership #PurposeMarketing #BrandFundamentals #ThatsWhatICallMarketing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mom finds you on Instagram. She loves your work. She visits your website. And then she closes the tab, finishes making dinner, and two months later books a different photographer in your city. Sound familiar? That is not a portfolio problem. That is a middle-of-the-funnel marketing problem. And in this episode, I am breaking down five strategies you can start using this week to stop losing warm leads and start building the kind of trust that actually turns followers into booked clients. What you'll learn in this episodeWhy your potential clients are staying in the "consideration phase" longer than ever (and what the trust recession means for family photographers)The one marketing asset you own that Instagram can never take away from youHow to create a lead magnet that builds real trust before a family ever reaches outWhy a single blog post will outperform your best reel for yearsThe simple follow-up sequence that keeps warm inquiries from ghosting youHow to build a repeatable marketing cadence that does not burn you outWhich strategy to start with first (spoiler: pick one, not all five)Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/middle-of-funnel-marketing-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

If you've been avoiding SEO because it sounds like something only tech people care about, this episode is going to change your mind. I'm breaking down exactly what SEO means for your family photography business, why it has become one of the top inquiry sources for photographers who actually invest in it, and the three things you can do this week to start showing up on Google. This is a solo episode, and I'm talking about this because I keep seeing the same pattern: family photographers with beautiful websites and zero visibility on Google. The families searching for a photographer in your city right now are not scrolling Instagram. They are typing into Google. And they are ready to book. So let's make sure they can find you.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy SEO is now one of the top inquiry sources for family photographers (not Instagram, not referrals)How your Google Business Profile acts as a second website and what to do with it todayThe stats behind why fresh Google reviews outperform stale ones from two years agoWhy blogging is the engine of your SEO strategy and the types of blog topics families are actually searching forThe difference between renting attention on Instagram and owning visibility on GoogleA full step-by-step workflow for writing and publishing one keyword-focused blog post this weekHow the same content that ranks on Google also positions you to be recommended by AI search tools like ChatGPT and PerplexityResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/seo-for-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society ▸ The Blogging and Organic Visibility System for Family Photographers: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system-youtube▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends ▸ Dubsado (get 30% OFF with my affiliate link): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/dubsado-coupon-code ▸ Flodesk (get my affiliate discount here): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/flodesk-discount-code Thanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools

In a world of relentless choice and technological acceleration, the brands that win are not the ones with the most features or the lowest price. They are the ones that make people feel alive.In this podcast, Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive of The Marketing Society, is joined by Katie Burke, Global Lead for Life Trends at Accenture Song, and Lisa Johnstone, Director of Priority, Loyalty and Rewards at Virgin Media O2, to explore three of the most compelling trends from the Life Trends 2026 report, Accenture Song's global study of human behaviour in a rapidly changing world.This year's trends are anchored in the hero's journey: challenge, change, and transformation. And for marketing leaders, the implications are significant.We explore Human Journeys, and how AI is reshaping the moments of discovery and decision-making that matter most to customers, including what zero-click experiences mean for brand visibility and relevance. We look at Good Vibrations, and why joy, play, and real-world connection are becoming serious commercial differentiators, and how the most effective brands enable culture rather than chase it. And we examine Coming of Age, and why age is no longer the right organising principle for marketers, and what to reach for instead.With 77% of people expecting brands to help them feel joy and wellbeing, the pressure on marketing leaders to make the case for emotional brand-building has never been greater. This episode explores what life-centricity really means in practice, and how to take that argument into the boardroom.Read the full Life Trends 2026 report: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/song/accenture-life-trends-2026

If you have ever opened Instagram, stared at the screen for three minutes, and then closed the app because you had no idea what to post... this episode is your permission slip to stop winging it.In this episode, I am building you an entire week of Instagram content in real time. Five posts. Five days. Hooks, captions, and CTAs mapped to the client journey using my 4C Method (Connection, Clarify, Celebration, Call to Action). You can watch me walk through this step by step on YouTube (linked in the blog post below) or listen right here on the podcast. Either way, you are walking away with a plan.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/what-to-post-on-instagram-as-a-family-photographer-this-week/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society ($40/month, cancel anytime): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society ▸ The Blogging and Organic Visibility System: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system-youtube▸ Free Instagram Post Templates for Family Photographers: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/instagram-posts-for-family-photographers ▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends ▸ Business Tools I Recommend: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-toolsThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools

If your marketing plan is "post a pretty photo on Instagram and hope families find me"... we need to talk. I spent the last several months looking at the actual data on how families are finding and hiring family photographers right now in 2026, and the path they take from "we need family photos" to "take my money" looks nothing like what worked in 2022 or 2023. In this episode (which you can also watch on YouTube), I'm walking you through each stage of the modern client journey so you can see exactly where to show up, what families are looking for at each step, and which marketing channel has the highest ROI.Spoiler: it's probably not the one you think.I've been running my own Nashville-based family photography business since 2018 and leading the Family Photographers Marketing Society for over a year and a half. I'm not just teaching theory here. I am booking families while I teach other family photographers how to do the same through backend systems, workflows, and a consistent marketing cadence.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy the client journey has gotten longer (and what HoneyBook and AfterShoot data actually say about it)The mix of channels families are using to find photographers right now, and why it's no longer just one platformHow Instagram shifted from a booking tool to a validation tool, and the three questions families are answering when they check your feedWhy SEO is now generating more inquiries than Instagram for photographers who invest in itThe consideration stage: why families follow 3-7 photographers before booking, and how to stay top of mindWhat finally pushes a family from "following" to "filling out your contact form."Why a 500-person email list outperforms 5,000 Instagram followers (the numbers are wild)The 4C Method for creating content at every stage of the client journey without burning outResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-families-find-book-family-photographers/▸ Get the Blogging & Visibility System For Family Photographers (only $37): https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/organic-marketing-blogging-system-yt/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

What if I told you that one single blog post could fuel your email newsletter, your Pinterest pins, your Instagram, your Facebook, your LinkedIn, AND your Google Business Profile update for the entire week? That is exactly what I'm breaking down in this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, and yes, you can watch the full training on YouTube or listen right here.Most family photographers I talk to are either spending way too many hours creating content from scratch for every platform, or they're frozen because the overwhelm won the battle that week. Both of those problems point to the same root issue: the way most of us have been taught to create content is broken. So today, I'm walking you through my entire AI-powered content repurposing system, starting with the foundation that makes it all work (your brand voice guidebook) and ending with a real-life example of what one week of marketing looks like when you have a system behind it.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy most photographers get generic, robotic AI output (and the one thing they skipped that caused it)How to build a brand voice guidebook that trains your AI to sound like YOU, not a content robotThe six marketing outputs you can create from a single blog post each weekWhy your blog post is the centerpiece of your marketing ecosystem (and not Instagram)How 52 blog posts can turn into 350+ pieces of marketing content in a yearAnd so much more!Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-ai-marketing-system-every-family-photographer-needs/▸ Get the Blogging & Visibility System For Family Photographers (only $37): https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/organic-marketing-blogging-system-yt/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Be honest with me for a second. How many courses or memberships are sitting in your hard drive, your email, or your Google Drive right now... untouched? If your hand just went up, welcome. You are in very good company. In this episode (which you can watch on YouTube or listen to right here), I'm putting on my counseling hat (yes, I have a master's in mental health counseling, and no, I won't invoice you

Can you answer this question right now, off the top of your head: what happens from the moment a client fills out your contact form to the moment you deliver their gallery? Every single step? If you're blanking (or cringing a little), this episode is your wake-up call, and I mean that with so much love. In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm revisiting one of my oldest episodes from over five years ago and giving it a major refresh, because we need to get back to the foundations. I'm walking you through five concrete steps to building your very first business workflow as a family photographer, and I'm sharing the embarrassing SD card story that made me realize my business was running on memory and prayers instead of actual systems.I decided to redo this episode because I've worked with hundreds of family photographers (especially inside my membership, The Family Photographers Marketing Society), and I keep seeing the same pattern: you know your process, you've done it dozens of times, but it's all trapped in your head. And when everything lives in your brain, things get dropped. This episode is your permission slip to start with just one workflow and build from there.What you'll learn in this episodeThe real reason family photographers resist building workflows (hint: it's not laziness, it's an unspoken belief about creativity)My SD card horror story and the missing SOP that caused itHow to brain dump your entire client journey for one service in 30 minutesThe four natural phases hiding inside every client workflowWhat "rinse and repeat" looks like in practice and why most photographers skip this stepAnd So Much More!Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photographer-workflow/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Welcome to "In my humble opinion", a podcast collaboration between The Marketing Society and Publicis Groupe UK that creates a space for marketing leaders to discuss their opinions on topics affecting our industry which they think about but may not always say out loud.You're joining us for our next episode in the series, 'In My Humble Opinion… Data is Set to Fuel Creativity in the Age of AI.' Featuring Philip Gamble from Performics, and Jack Peat, Head of Newsroom at Taylor Herring.Philip and Jack explore one of the most pressing shifts in marketing today — how AI is quietly forming opinions about every brand, and what that means for the way we communicate, create, and measure impact.Because here's the thing: AI already has a view of your brand. And around three quarters of what it believes comes not from what you say about yourself, but from third parties — the press, social platforms, and the broader ecosystem of voices that surround you.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast!Our industry is filled with many brilliant minds with thought provoking views, we can't wait to bring them to you, our next episode of “In my humble opinion” will be coming soon and find our series of content of the same name over at The Marketing Society website here.

Are your sessions sitting with empty spots, and it's making your stomach hurt? Same.In this episode, I'm spilling the tea on exactly how I built a simple giveaway strategy that helped me fill motherhood session spots, grew my email list by 25+ local families, and gave me a repeatable system I can use year after year.Here's the deal: 2026 has been different. Sessions aren't booking the way they used to, and I'm hearing this from family photographers everywhere. So instead of panicking (okay, I gave myself five minutes to panic), I sat down and treated my motherhood sessions like a mini launch. I worked backwards from my session date, built out evergreen infrastructure, created long-form content, ran a strategic Instagram giveaway tied to my email list, and then nurtured that list. I'm walking you through every single step so you can take this strategy and apply it to your own minis.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy planning your mini session marketing in January matters (even when it feels way too early)How to build an evergreen landing page that gets stronger in Google every single yearHow to think like a launch strategist for your mini sessionsWhy long-form content and SEO compound over time, and what that looks like in a real photography businessAnd so much more! Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/giveaway-strategy-fill-mini-sessions-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

I'm spilling the tea on exactly what I'm doing this April to market my family photography business, and fair warning, one of these three strategies is getting me way outside my comfort zone (and it has nothing to do with cameras). Whether you watch this on YouTube or listen on the podcast, you're walking away with three specific, doable marketing moves you can steal for your own business this spring.Spring is not just a busy season for family photographers. It is your launch runway for summer and fall bookings. The momentum you build right now is what fills your calendar in three to six months. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own April marketing plan: the SEO foundation work I'm grinding through, the in-person networking event I'm forcing myself to attend (pray for me), and the one Instagram metric that is changing how I think about content in 2026.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy broken links on your website are silently wrecking your SEO and your client journeyWhy in-person networking still matters for family photographers (even when it feels miserable)What "sendable content" means and how to create it as a family photographerAnd so much more!Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/spring-marketing-strategies-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Pete Markey's stats are extremely impressive!! Pete is a results driven commercial leader responsible for driving 17 quarters of consecutive market share growth, a +3m increase in the loyalty base and a 10 fold profit increase in retail media. Drove a 30% improvement in profit ROI to over £2.50 for every pound spent. Winner of five Marketer of the Year awards, two marketing team of the year awards, three diversity champion awards, an Honorary Doctorate from Solent University and a Fellow of The Marketing Academy, CIM and The Marketing Society. Pete is also an amazing leader and class A human! Having the opportunity to share a "Beautiful Mess" conversation with Pete was such a highlight for me...I hope you enjoy tuning in. 
So many gems here... 

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Okay, family photographer, I need you to be honest with yourself for a second: when was the last time you checked your website for broken links? Not just a quick glance at your homepage. I mean, actually going through and making sure every single link works. Because I just discovered that my own website had over 166 sessions landing on a "page not found" error, and I'm spilling the tea on all of it in this episode. Whether you watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast player, stick around because I'm walking you through why broken links matter, showing you a completely free tool to find yours, and doing a live demo of how I'm fixing mine in real time.Here's the backstory: I've spent the last four years separating my photography website from my systems and workflow education website. I'm a solo business owner doing it all myself, and I believe in slow, sustainable growth (and I'm willing to put in the work)! But when I checked Google Analytics and saw that "page not found" was one of my top three most visited pages? Yeah, I spiraled for about five minutes. Then I made a plan. Because that's what we do around here.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy broken links are one of the sneakiest things quietly undoing all of your SEO workHow broken links leak your link equity (that trail of trust between your pages)The completely free tool I'm using right now to find every broken link on my websiteAnd so much more!Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-free-tool-im-using-to-find-every-broken-link-on-my-photography-website/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with me to be your 1:1 marketer for your family photography business!Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Be honest with yourself for a second. When was the last time you sat down at the very start of a month and knew, before the first week even hit, exactly what you were going to blog, what Instagram content was coming from that blog, and what you were emailing your list? Not reacting to a slow week. Not panic posting because inquiries dried up. Just a plan, a real one. If that question made you squirm a little, this episode is for you. In Episode 226, I'm spilling the tea with content marketing strategist Kara Duncan of The Kara Report, and we are breaking down why strategic SEO blogging is the marketing foundation most family photographers are skipping, and how one blog post can fuel your entire week of content across Instagram and email.I'm sitting down with Kara Duncan, the founder of The Kara Report, where she does content marketing, specifically Pinterest and blogging, for service-based businesses, mostly photographers. Full transparency: Kara writes the blog posts for my photography business. When I knew I needed to record a blogging episode built for family photographers, she was my first call. We also have a pretty big announcement at the end of this one, so make sure you listen all the way through!What you'll learn in this episode (hint: it's beefy!)Why those old-school session recap blogs with 50 to 80 images are working against you in 2026What "keyword intent" actually means and why chasing big money keywords on your blog is not the moveThe stat that stopped me in my tracks about blogging, page one, and how long it actually takes (72.9%, and yes, I said what I said)How to turn one single SEO blog post into your Instagram content AND your email for the week without starting from scratch every timeAND SO MUCH MORE!!!!Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/seo-blogging-strategy-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸ Apply HERE to work with us to be your marketers for your family photography business!Connect with Kara Duncan

In this episode of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm sitting down with fellow family photographer Jenny Macy to discuss something many photographers struggle with: consistently marketing while running a busy business and raising a family. Jenny shares her story of building a photography business across three different states, ranking on the first page of Google, and eventually growing into a national associate photography team — all while raising three young kids

What if booking sessions didn't require posting every day, chasing trends, or living on Instagram? In today's case study, I'm sharing the real story of a busy mom family photographer who used email marketing — not hustle — to stay consistent and book sessions in a full season of life.She has two young kids.A husband with an unpredictable schedule.And limited work hours each week.And yet… she filled sessions.The difference?She stopped trying to piece together marketing advice from everywhere online and started following a simple, structured weekly plan inside The Family Photographers Marketing Society.Instead of guessing what to post…Instead of scrolling to see what everyone else was doing…Instead of letting email marketing sit on the back burner…She used the membership's weekly marketing prompts, batching checklist, and email guidance to stay visible in a way that actually fit her life.Let's break down exactly what she is utilizing inside The Family Photographer's Marketing Society Today!What you'll hear in this episodeWhy marketing can feel hard… even when you have a marketing backgroundHow Alayna builds a photography experience that feels easy for moms (without being glued to her phone)A simple “coffee shop” rhythm for marketing when your weekly schedule isn't predictableHow she started sending emails without feeling salesyThe win that mattered most: less doom-scrolling, less comparison, and more peaceResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/marketing-photography-business-busy-mom/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trends▸Connect with Alayna Here: https://www.instagram.com/alaynagracephotography/Connect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

If you're a family photographer who feels busy, booked, and still confused about what you should actually be paying yourself… this episode is for you.Maybe you've wondered:-Why does paying myself feel so draining?-Why does everyone else online seem to have it figured out?-Why am I booking sessions but still unsure what I can actually bring home?Here's the truth: Most family photographers aren't underpaid because they're doing something wrong.They're underpaid because they're missing a clear system.In this episode, I walk you through the seven components to consider before deciding how much to pay yourself as a family photographer. This isn't about what Instagram says. This isn't about what another photographer makes. This is about your life. Your household. Your goals.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/stop-guessing-your-pay-family-photographer/▸ Grab The What To Pay Yourself Calculator Here: https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/what-to-pay-yourself/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

If blogging always ends up at the bottom of your to-do list (or it feels like something you “should” be doing but never actually follow through on), this episode is for you.In this week's podcast (also a YouTube episode), I'm walking you through why blogging fails for most family photographers and how to fix it with a repeatable system that actually fits your real life.Because blogging isn't dead.It's one of the strongest ways to increase visibility, build trust, and get found by ideal clients, especially in 2026, when parents are searching on Google, Instagram, and even ChatGPT.If you've ever:Been frozen in front of a blank Google DocWondered what to blog about for SEOCopy/pasted something from ChatGPT that didn't sound like youPublished a blog and felt like no one read it…Then this episode will help you rethink blogging from a systems perspective.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/why-is-blogging-important-family-photographers-2026/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (special price with this link only): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system-youtube▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Big question for you, family photographer: Are you treating February like a slow month OR like a setup (like SYSTEMS) month?In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast (also originally recorded as a YouTube video!), I'm walking family photographers through three simple marketing moves to focus on in February 2026 so you're not scrambling for March and April bookings later.This isn't about posting more just to post more.It's about shifting how you think about visibility, urgency, and long-form content, so your marketing actually works for you instead of feeling random or reactive.If you want a calmer spring calendar, this episode is a good reminder and refresher!In this episode, you'll learn how to:• Show up where parents are actively searching — not just scrolling• Create searchable content on Instagram that attracts awareness-stage clients• Teach clients why to book now (instead of just announcing availability)• Use “educational urgency” to fill newborn and maternity calendars• Repurpose one strong piece of content into three formats• Stretch one blog post into a Reel and an email newsletter• Build a consistent marketing rhythm without burning outIf you've been feeling scattered in your marketing or unsure what to focus on this month, press play.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-to-market-your-photography-business-february-2026/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (A ChatBot Suite): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Syl Saller CBE is one of the most respected marketing leaders of her generation. Former Global Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Diageo, Syl helped lead a FTSE 10 business with more than 200 brands across 180 countries. Today, she's an executive coach and mentor, President of The Marketing Society, and works closely with C-suite leaders to develop the next generation of marketing leadership.In this episode, Syl shares what the CMO role at Diageo is really like, how to build strong relationships with CEOs and boards, and how to navigate imposter syndrome, difficult conversations, and career-defining moments. We also discuss why she left Diageo, what she'd do differently looking back, and the leadership lessons she now passes on to others.Sign up to our live event, The Calling, on April 21st here:https://event.uncensoredcmo.com/events/uncensoredcmo/2044861Timestamps00:00 - Intro00:53 - What's a CMO role at Diageo really like?02:56 - How to have difficult conversations03:59 - Whats it like being on the board of Diageo?05:04 - Working with Sir Ivan Menezes, legendary Diageo CEO09:10 - How to foster a great relationship with your CEO12:38 - How Syl Saller's childhood shaped her into the leader she is today18:57 - What would Syl Saller do differently in her career21:29 - How to deal with imposter syndrome as a leader25:31 - How to figure out your life and career plan28:08 - The toolkit for planning success31:40 - Why the challenging moments in life can have the best outcomes34:17 - Maintaining a good work life balance with a senior job38:51 - Why Syl left Diageo in 202040:11 - Why Syl Saller became a leadership coach after leaving Diageo43:10 - Three bits of leadership advice from Syl Saller

Hey family photographer, if blogging keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list because of sessions, editing, or just life… you're not alone.In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact blogging system I use to publish consistent, keyword-optimized blog posts for my family photography business — without staring at a blank screen or reinventing the wheel every month.Blogging used to feel heavy, confusing, and time-consuming for me, too! But once I built a repeatable system (and paired it with trained AI the right way), everything changed. Now I batch four blog posts a month with clarity, confidence, and zero dread.In this episode, you'll learn:Why blogging still matters for family photographers (even with AI everywhere)The “master hub” I use to organize blog ideas, keywords, CTAs, and publishing rhythmsWhy ChatGPT alone is not a blogging strategyHow I pair keyword research with AI to write blogs in my actual voiceThe exact 3-step blogging system I use every single monthHow I repurpose one blog into email marketing, Google My Business, and moreWhat consistent blogging really looks like for a solo family photographerResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-for-photographers-a-realistic-system-for-family-photographers/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (A ChatBot Suite): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)

Have you ever spent time writing an email you knew would help your audience… only to find out it never reached their inbox? (womp womp) In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm sharing a very real behind-the-scenes lesson from my own email list. After years of consistent weekly emails, I discovered that my newsletters were quietly landing in spam — and I didn't even know it until friends reached out.This episode walks you through exactly what Flodesk support taught me about email deliverability, sender reputation, and the small backend habits that can make or break your email marketing. If you're a family photographer (or creative business owner) who wants your emails to actually get read (and land in your reader's inbox and NOT spam), this one matters.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/email-marketing-deliverability-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

SEO still feels overwhelming for a lot of family photographers—and if you're heading into 2026 wondering whether it's even worth your time, this episode is for you.In this episode, I'm breaking down why SEO is not optional for family photographers, even as social media gets louder and attention spans get shorter. Families are still Googling before they book, and SEO is one of the most stable ways to support your marketing without relying only on Instagram.I'm also sharing one free SEO tool I personally use in my own photography and education business, plus a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I read it and apply it, without getting stuck in SEO confusion.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/seo-for-family-photographers-2026/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

Client testimonials are GOLD for your family photography business, but most photographers only use them once and then forget about them. In this episode of The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm breaking down six strategic ways family photographers can reuse client testimonials across their entire client journey so they actually do the heavy lifting in your marketing.This episode was inspired by a real conversation in The Family Photographer's Marketing Society, and I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I coach my students to think like a marketer rather than relying on memory or random posting.If you've ever shared a testimonial on Instagram Stories and hoped for the best, this episode will change how you see testimonials forever.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/reuse-client-testimonials-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

January can feel like a weird, quiet, and sometimes panic-inducing month for family photographers. In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm breaking down three specific marketing seeds you should be planting in January—so you're not scrambling later in the spring.If you've ever wondered:“Is January just a dead month?”“Should I be pushing people to book right now?”“How do I stay visible without feeling salesy or burnt out?”This episode is for you.Whether you're listening on your favorite podcast player or watching this episode on YouTube, you'll learn how to reframe January as a seed-planting month that sets you up for calmer, more consistent bookings in March, April, and beyond.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/january-marketing-for-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm sitting down (coffee + Christmas décor still up, of course

As we close out the year, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share exactly how I'm doing my end-of-year business review — and how I'm planning for 2026 without trying to plan an entire year in one weekend.Whether you're watching this episode on YouTube or listening on your favorite podcast player, it's designed to give you permission to plan realistically, not romantically.I'm walking you through how I review my yearly rhythms, lean on data (not feelings), and prepare my backend systems so my marketing, launches, and content feel sustainable — especially as a mom, photographer, and systems educator.If you're a family photographer or creative business owner who wants clarity, structure, and less burnout heading into a new year, this episode is for you.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-im-planning-out-my-next-quarter/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ End of year review sheet: https://katschmoyer.com/eoy-gift▸ Master Business Operations Trello Board (only $7): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/master-business-operations-boardConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

If you're listening to this episode around the holidays (or WHENEVER you are listening in to this), I want to encourage you to do something that will instantly bring more clarity into your business for 2026 (and for ANY YEAR): forecast your business expenses.In this episode of The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast (also available as a YouTube video), I'm pulling back the curtain and showing you exactly how I forecast my business expenses for 2026 using my Bookkeeping Template for Creatives. I'm not starting the new year guessing my overhead.And friend, forecasting is NOT “predicting the future.” It's taking the best data you already have (like your 2025 expenses + recurring subscriptions) and making an informed plan so you can price confidently, set realistic goals, and run your photography business (or creative business) sustainably.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/end-of-year-planning-family-photographers/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸Need a bookkeeper? Check out my amazing Bookkeeper here: https://www.willabbybookkeeping.com/Connect with Dolly DeLong Education

Big reminder, friend: if I were your marketing advisor for your family photography business, I would absolutely have you working on your February Valentine's mini sessions in December—yes, while everyone else is still wrapping gifts and closing out their holiday minis.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed as a podcast) walks you through how to think like a marketer, map out a simple mini-session offer for couples or kids, and align your systems, content, and email marketing before the new year begins.Whether you're a family photographer who loves minis or you're just curious about adding a seasonal cash-injection to your year, this episode will help you:Decide how to position your Valentine's minis (kids, couples, or both)Choose simple, on-brand themes and props your clients can easily say yes toPlan locations, timelines, and logistics now so you're not scrambling in late JanuaryUse Instagram + your blog as top-of-funnel marketing for your minisSet up email segments and nurture using Flodesk (or your ESP of choice)Use your CRM (like Dubsado) to automate booking, communication, and remindersTurn Valentine's minis into an annual, repeatable revenue streamResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/valentines-mini-sessions-family-photographers/▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 30% OFF on Dubsado here: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=dollydelongeducation▸ Free Dubsado Mini Session Roadmap: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-dubsado-mini-session-roadmap-opt-inConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

Big news, friends! We are officially heading into a brand new year of marketing, and if you're a family photographer still relying only on Instagram (or whatever the next trendy platform is), this episode is your gentle nudge: it's time to bring email marketing into your 2026 strategy.In today's episode—which originated as a YouTube video—you'll learn why email marketing continues to outperform every other marketing channel, why it future-proofs your family photography business, and how it helps you book more clients with less stress. Plus, at the end of the episode, I'm sharing why Flodesk is my #1 recommendation for photographers who want simple, beautiful, effective email marketing without overwhelm.Whether you're brand new to email marketing or you've been dragging your feet for years (it's okay, I see you!), this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to start strong in 2026.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/email-marketing-for-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/5FWPcr3BzAA▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

Ever look at another family photographer who's booked out months in advance and think, “What are they doing that I'm not?” Spoiler: it's not talent, it's not the “oversaturated market,” and it is definitely not that you're not good enough.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed into the podcast) breaks down the eight core foundations—or “cogs”—that keep your family photography business consistently booked instead of stuck in that exhausting feast-or-famine cycle.Whether you're a few years into business or you're finally ready to take it seriously as a real, sustainable business, this one's meant to lovingly call you out and show you exactly where to focus next.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/consistent-bookings-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/FIjZ3Yv1byA▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

Big news, family photographers.. the holidays are almost here, and now is the perfect time to start planting those SEO seeds for next year! In this episode, I'm sharing four blog post ideas you can start writing right now to help your photography business get discovered on Google (and yes, even in ChatGPT searches!) long after the holiday season.Whether you're a family photographer, newborn photographer, or creative business owner who wants to show up more consistently online, you'll learn how to:✨ Choose blog post topics that attract your dream clients✨ Create SEO-friendly posts that perform in both Google and AI search tools✨ Repurpose your blog content for social media and email marketing✨ Build long-term visibility for your photography business during slower seasonsResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Get all of my Black Friday 2025 Deals (dropping the week of November 24th-November 28th): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/black-friday-deals-2025▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/HE_cDS43HmY▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

How to Market to Cybersecurity's Most Elusive Buyers: AI, Emotion, and the Human Touch - Interview with Gianna Whitver and Maria Velasquez | Cyber Marketing Con 2025 Coverage | On Location with Sean Martin and Marco CiappelliCyberMarketingCon 2025 In Person & Virtual https://www.cybermarketingconference.comDec 7-10, 2025 in Austin, Texas Why Cybersecurity Marketing Demands a Different PlaybookThe cybersecurity industry presents a paradox for marketers. While practitioners work with cutting-edge technology, traditional marketing approaches consistently fall flat. Gianna Whitver and Maria Velasquez, co-founders of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society, have spent six years understanding why—and they're sharing those insights at CyberMarketingCon 2025 this December in Austin.The challenge begins with the audience itself. Security professionals operate under constant pressure, actively preventing threats while juggling competing priorities. This stress creates an environment where patience for marketing noise evaporates instantly. Unlike other industries where buyers might browse vendor websites or respond to cold outreach, cybersecurity practitioners have both the technical sophistication to evade tracking and the motivation to control their own buying journey."Our buyer is highly elusive," Whitver explains. "They're saving the world and their companies from threats. When vendors reach out, it's an interruption to critical work." This dynamic forces marketers to rethink fundamental assumptions about how business gets done.The numbers tell part of the story. With over 5,000 cybersecurity vendors flooding the market, standing out based solely on technical specifications has become nearly impossible. Many solutions address similar problems with comparable features. The differentiator, Velasquez argues, isn't in the technology itself but in how that technology transforms the buyer's daily experience."We have to shed that technical layer and go for the emotion," Velasquez says. "If they buy our product, how is it gonna make them feel? Are they gonna get their weekends back with family? Are they actually gonna go to sleep without stress?" This human-centered approach represents a fundamental shift from the feeds-and-speeds messaging that dominated cybersecurity marketing for years.The industry is witnessing what Velasquez calls an "evolution slash revolution" in marketing tactics. Humor, entertainment, and authentic storytelling are replacing dense whitepapers as the first touch point. The goal isn't to dumb down complex technology but to create space for meaningful engagement by first addressing the emotional reality of a stressful profession.Trust remains the currency that matters most. Peer recommendations carry exponentially more weight than any advertising campaign. Security professionals rely on trusted networks to validate purchasing decisions, making community building and genuine thought leadership more valuable than aggressive outreach. Word-of-mouth referrals from colleagues who have seen real results trump even the most sophisticated demand generation campaigns.The emergence of AI as a marketing buzzword presents both opportunity and risk. Whitver notes that countless vendors now position themselves as "AI-native" or "agentic AI" solutions without articulating meaningful differentiation. "If that's what you remember about their product, what do you actually do?" she asks. The challenge for marketers is communicating AI's business value without contributing to the noise.CyberMarketingCon 2025 addresses these challenges head-on. Running December 7-10 in Austin, the conference brings together more than 550 marketing professionals for hands-on workshops, peer learning, and practical strategy sessions. Dedicated tracks cover brand, demand generation, operations, communications, and product marketing, with special summits for CEOs and sales leaders.Hands-on AI workshops represent a conference highlight. Attendees can build marketing agents using n8n, explore Clay for go-to-market planning, or participate in a marketer-focused capture-the-flag hacking exercise. The "Marketing Time Machine" theme balances timeless fundamentals with forward-looking innovation, acknowledging that effective marketing requires both solid foundations and experimental thinking.What sets CyberMarketingCon apart is its community-first philosophy. Despite 40-50% year-over-year growth, organizers prioritize maintaining an intimate, reunion-style atmosphere. Many CMOs bring entire teams for what becomes a working offsite, with different members attending specialized sessions then synthesizing insights into unified strategies.The conference's success metric reflects this philosophy. "Our KPI is: is it worth your time?" Whitver says. In an industry where time represents the scarcest resource, that might be the most important question of all.For cybersecurity marketers navigating an increasingly complex landscape, CyberMarketingCon offers something rare—a chance to learn from peers facing identical challenges, build practical skills, and remember that even in a technical industry, it's humans talking to humans. CyberMarketingCon 2025 In Person & Virtual https://www.cybermarketingconference.comDec 7-10, 2025 in Austin, Texas GUEST:Gianna WhitverCo-Founder & CEO, Cybersecurity Marketing Society | Cybersecurity GTM Industry Resource | Cybersecurity Marketing | Bees & Cybersecurity | Podcast Host | Community | (I like to build things & laugh a lot & tell jokes)Maria Velasquez

Have you ever visited a business online and couldn't tell if they were still open—or if they'd shut down years ago?

It's officially Q4 of 2025—and if you're a family photographer, you're probably deep in busy season. But here's the truth: now is also the perfect time to plant seeds for 2026 with long-form content that keeps working for you long after the editing rush is over.In this episode (repurposed from my YouTube channel), I'm sharing three SEO-friendly blogging ideas you can batch out this October to attract dream clients, show up in search results, and position yourself as the go-to photographer in your city.Whether you're a family photographer wanting to book more sessions or a small business owner looking for sustainable marketing ideas, you'll walk away with practical, keyword-rich content strategies you can implement right away.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:Why Q4 blogging matters for long-term SEO and future bookingsThree blog post ideas that make you the searchable answer for potential clientsHow to use your existing client galleries to showcase wardrobe inspiration and style guidesAnd so much moreRead the entire blog post hereResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this training (with visuals!) → https://youtu.be/anbj_bb8QVk▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

Dame Carolyn McCall OBE is the CEO of ITV, the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster. She was previously CEO of The Guardian Media Group and easyJet, and currently serves as President of The Marketing Society.This year marks 70 years of TV advertising, celebrated with the launch of the new report, Living Room Legends, which explores the best ads of the past seven decades.Dame Carolyn joins Jon to discuss the report, why TV advertising is here to stay, and to reflect on some of the greatest ads of all time.Timestamps00:00 – Intro00:42 – 70 years of advertising02:11 – Carolyn's vision for the future of marketing04:15 – Why we need more marketers on boards05:25 – How a CMO can become a CEO08:15 – Overseeing the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster11:35 – How ITV is competing with global streaming giants13:19 – How ITV collaborates with the streaming giants15:15 – The recipe for a long-term hit TV show17:37 – Is TV advertising dead?22:47 – Is TV effective for Gen Z?24:31 – The Living Room Legends report, celebrating 70 years of advertising27:08 – The most emotional ad for Carolyn28:06 – What ads have made Carolyn McCall laugh29:10 – Advertising campaigns that have changed culture31:42 – Airing an ad within 72 hours of Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest32:23 – Which campaigns have improved over the years33:34 – The best examples of romanticising the product35:13 – Why more SMEs are advertising35:52 – The future of TV advertising

In episode 197, Dolly sits down with Mara and Bekah to share the behind-the-scenes story of why the three of us have teamed up to host the Black Friday 2025 Virtual Summit and how it can help your business prepare with actionable strategies for the busiest sales season of the year. To read the blog post that goes with this podcast episode, click HERE

In Episode 196 of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I chat with Rebekah Read (Bekah) about how to optimize your Black Friday sales page using SEO and AI so your offers are searchable, compelling, and ready to convert in 2025. To read the ENTIRE blog post that corresponds with this podcast, just click HERE

In this episode, I sit down with Joyce Hamilton of Only Boldly to discuss how busy business owners can utilize AI to prepare for Black Friday with strategy and intention. Joyce shares how she utilizes tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm content, map out her launch plans, and create more efficient systems that actually save her time, both as a mom and a business owner.If you've ever felt behind on your Black Friday prep or overwhelmed by content planning, this episode will show you how to get started now and use AI as a true business assistant.Read the ENTIRE blog post HERE & don't forget to

In this episode of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm joined by Pinterest and blogging expert Kara Duncan to break down how small business owners can use Pinterest trends to create evergreen blog content that supports their Black Friday strategy—and keeps working long after the sale ends.We discuss the three main content buckets (evergreen, trend-based, and timely), how to plan Pinterest content in advance, and why specificity is crucial for driving traffic and conversions. Whether you're brand new to Pinterest or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will help you create intentional content that attracts and nurtures cold traffic for your Q4 promotions.Read the ENTIRE blog post here & don't forget to

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of running a Black Friday sale or, worse, you've thrown one together the night before Thanksgiving, you are absolutely not alone. But what if this year looked a little different? What if you had a strategic plan in place that not only warmed up your audience but also sold your offer while you're enjoying leftover pie?In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with email marketing strategist Allison Hardy, and we delve into how email funnels can significantly enhance your Black Friday strategy. Whether this is your first-ever sale or you're trying to streamline your fourth Q4 sprint, this conversation is packed with gold.Read the ENTIRE blog post hereResources & Links

In this BRAND NEW solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why I took a three-month break from releasing new podcast episodes and what's changing (and staying the same) as I move forward. I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of how I've evolved into serving two specific groups of business owners: family photographers who want sustainable systems and marketing strategies, and small business owners who want smart, strategic launch support. You'll also hear the story behind my new membership, the Family Photographer's Marketing Society, and what you can expect from the podcast in the coming months, including a brand new Black Friday series starting next week.Want the full blog post with all the shownotes? Click HereResources & Links

So many creative entrepreneurs dread sending out weekly emails. Maybe you feel you have nothing to say, maybe you forget, maybe you feel like you've already used your best ideas. Today, I am welcoming back Elizabeth McCravy to the podcast, this time to talk about how her automated email system has improved her business and made her email marketing strategy so much easier. Elizabeth is sharing some of her key tips to get started on successfully automating your emails on your own and smoothing out your workflow today. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-Get an inside look at Elizabeth McCravy's automated email strategy, which nurtures her audience for nearly a full year with just 27 emails.-Learn how to build and repurpose your own evergreen nurture sequence without overcomplicating it—perfect for busy creative business owners.-Discover how to balance live emails with automations (plus smart tips on avoiding sending multiple emails at once from different funnels).Want the FULL Blog post with ALL the shownotes? Click HEREResources & Links