Build Your Marketing Muscles - Small Business Marketing Strategies

Making Your Marketing More Effective

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (gwen montoya) — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 11:30:00 +0000

Wondering how to get more sales for your small business?

If you’ve been posting on social media, sending emails, and keeping your website up to date—but you’re still not seeing sales—you’re not alone.

In this episode, I share practical strategies to boost sales for your small business by improving your website, email marketing, and social media. Key Takeaways Sales often stall when your messaging is outdated, unclear, or aimed at the wrong audience. Consistency matters, but curiosity and experimentation are what help you find what really works.

Let's talk about how to use social media, email marketing, and your website to increase your sales!

Interested in working together? Start with my intake form here.

Learn more about the Build Your Marketing Muscles membership group.

More ways to connect:

Website: www.gwenmontoya.com
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdx
YouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoya
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

Staying Focused in Your Business When Everything is Changing

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

If you've been relying on one platform or feeling discouraged by dropping engagement, you'll find ideas to help you refocus your marketing efforts, build resilience, and create a strategy that keeps working (now and in the future).

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why staying focused in your business means learning to adapt How to shift your marketing strategy when platforms or algorithms stop working

Why relying on one social media platform is risky (and what to do instead)

How to choose where to show up next, based on your audience's habits

The role analytics play in helping you stay grounded and strategic How providing an excellent customer experience can be your secret marketing weapon

What to do when your offers no longer resonate with your audience

How to move forward with confidence, even when marketing feels uncertain

Nurturing Your Email List: Simple Shifts for Better Results

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re diving into how to make your existing email list more effective, and why it might be time to move email marketing up a notch on your to-do list. If you already have a list, an opt-in, and maybe even some automations running, this episode is for you. I’m sharing practical ways to evaluate what’s working, fix what isn’t, and make sure your emails are actually doing the job of connecting with your audience.

As a marketing strategist, I believe email marketing is one of the most powerful (yet often underused) tools small business owners have—and it’s time to start giving it the attention it deserves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why email marketing deserves more of your attention than it’s probably getting
How email compares to social media when it comes to reach and engagement
What metrics actually matter—and what they can tell you about your audience
How to adjust your link strategy to increase clicks and reduce overwhelm
Why mobile-friendly, bite-sized emails can boost your results
️ When to break up long digests into smaller, more focused emails
The value of showing up consistently for the people who’ve already raised their hand to hear from you

Who This Episode Is For:
✔️ You already have an email list
✔️ You’ve set up an opt-in or automation
✔️ You’re ready to optimize what’s already in place
🚫 If you’re brand new to email marketing, start with setting up your list first (I recommend MailerLite as a great beginner-friendly platform with a solid free plan—this is not sponsored, just a helpful tip!)

Takeaway:
Your email list is full of people who have already said yes to hearing from you. Let’s make sure you’re giving them something worth opening, clicking, and engaging with—without overwhelming yourself or your subscribers.

Burn It Down or Build It Up? What to Do When You Want to Quit

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Let's talk about a topic that many business owners experience but rarely talk about—feeling like giving up. Running a small business is tough, and at times, you might feel like throwing in the towel. But before you make any drastic decisions, I have some questions and ideas that might help you gain clarity on the next steps.

Whether you’re facing burnout, attracting the wrong clients, or simply feeling uninspired, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone—and that there are ways to move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why feeling like giving up is more common than you think

The biggest reasons small business owners reach a breaking point

How burnout and exhaustion impact your business mindset

The role of audience misalignment in business frustration

How shifting your perspective can help you regain enthusiasm

Practical strategies to assess whether you need a break, a pivot, or a fresh start

Key Takeaways:

Burnout & Exhaustion – Even if you love what you do, running a business can be relentless. Recognizing burnout is the first step in addressing it.

Attracting the Wrong Audience – If your business no longer aligns with your ideal clients, it can drain your energy and motivation.

Desire for a Shift – Many business owners reach a point where they crave change but feel stuck on how to pivot effectively.

The Importance of Perspective – Sometimes a fresh perspective, a break, or strategic tweaks can reignite your passion for your business.

You’re Not Alone – Many entrepreneurs have been in your shoes, and there’s a path forward—whether that means a reset or a reimagining of your business.

30-Day YouTube Challenge – What I Learned & What Happened Next

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why I gave myself this challenge (and why it pushed me outside my comfort zone)
✅ The rules I set for myself to stay on track and avoid decision paralysis
✅ The biggest hurdles I faced (hello, thumbnail struggles!)
✅ The tools I used to streamline the process—TubeBuddy, Canva, and more
✅ What happened months later—was it worth it? Did it change my approach to YouTube?

Why I Took on This Challenge

I’ve been helping clients optimize their YouTube channels since 2015, but I had never committed to creating consistent public content for my own channel. I knew that by challenging myself to produce 30 videos in 30 days, I would accelerate my learning curve, push past hesitation, and build a system that worked.

The Rules I Set for Myself

🎯 30 videos in 30 days – no minimum length requirement
🎯 Follow best practices (SEO, thumbnails, descriptions)
🎯 Stick with the first thumbnail template I picked – no mid-challenge redesigns!
🎯 Upload consistently but not necessarily daily

One of my biggest challenges? Thumbnails. I knew that if I spent too much time deciding on designs, I’d get stuck in perfectionism, so I forced myself to choose a template quickly and stick with it.

What I Learned

🔹 Pushing myself to create regularly helped me improve quickly
🔹 Committing to a challenge removed overthinking and hesitation
🔹 Sometimes, "done" is better than "perfect"—iteration is key!
🔹 Even with the best-laid plans, unexpected obstacles will happen (and that’s okay!)

Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Months later, I’ve updated my thumbnails and refined my content strategy. This experiment gave me clarity, confidence, and a system for YouTube content creation that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

Have you ever challenged yourself to try something new in your marketing? I’d love to hear about it!

Creating Content That Converts

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial shift for business owners: moving from creating content just because it’s time to post to crafting content with intention—content that actually converts into leads, customers, and meaningful connections.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about why you’re creating a particular piece of content or whether it will resonate with your audience, this episode is for you.

Key Topics:

Why posting just to post isn’t an effective strategy

Identifying what has driven sales and interest in the past

How to differentiate between viral content and content that leads to conversions

Aligning your content with what you actually sell

A simple mindset trick: Look at your business as if it belonged to someone else

Assessing missed opportunities in your marketing efforts

The importance of long-term vision: Where do you want your business to be in 3-5 years?

Action Steps:

Audit past content: What has worked? What hasn’t?

Clarify your offers: Are you talking about them enough and in the right way?

Step back: Analyze your business as if you were an outsider.

Set long-term content goals: What will help you move toward your big-picture vision?

By shifting your focus from posting randomly to crafting content with purpose, you’ll create a stronger connection with your audience and see real results.

Content Planning Hacks to Keep Your Marketing Consistent

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 3 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Feeling stuck on what to post for your business? You’re not alone! Whether you struggle with knowing what to say or need fresh inspiration, this episode will help you create content that resonates with your audience, boosts engagement, and drives sales.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The true meaning of “content” in marketing (it’s more than just social media!)
✔️ How to repurpose content across multiple platforms for maximum impact
✔️ Why reviewing your past analytics can reveal high-performing topics
✔️ How to use FAQs as a goldmine for content ideas
✔️ The power of repetition in reinforcing your message to your audience

Key Takeaways:

Content is More Than Just Social Media – It includes blog posts, email newsletters, videos, lead magnets, and more!
Look at Your Analytics – Review past social media posts to see what performed well in terms of engagement (likes, comments, shares, and saves).
Use FAQs to Your Advantage – If people ask the same questions repeatedly, turn those into valuable content pieces like blog posts, videos, and social posts.
Repurpose Your Best Content – Repetition is key! You can share the same ideas across different formats so your audience absorbs your message over time.

Leaky Marketing Explained: How to Identify and Fix It

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Leaky marketing can cost you leads, sales, and opportunities. In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya dives into what leaky marketing is, how to identify it, and practical ways to fix it. From improving clarity in your messaging to ensuring smooth follow-through and creating seamless customer journeys, Gwen provides actionable tips to patch the holes in your marketing strategy. Every business owner faces these challenges, but with the right approach, they’re entirely fixable!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What leaky marketing is and why it’s common for small businesses.
How lack of clarity in messaging can confuse potential clients.
Why visibility in the right places is key to reaching your audience.
The importance of consistent follow-through in building trust.
How to identify and fix issues on your website, emails, and other marketing channels.
Steps to create a smooth customer journey and boost conversions.

Actionable Takeaways:

Clarify who you serve and how to communicate it effectively in your marketing.
Review your visibility strategy to ensure you’re showing up where your audience is.
Implement systems to manage follow-through on leads, emails, and networking opportunities.
Check for broken links and confusing navigation on your website.
Focus on making the customer journey as easy and stress-free as possible.

Get Smart With Analytics: Tips to Make Better Marketing Decisions

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya breaks down the often intimidating world of analytics and explains how to use the data to make smarter marketing decisions. Whether it’s social media, email marketing, or website traffic, Gwen shares actionable insights on what to track, how to interpret the data, and why it matters. Analytics don’t have to be scary—they’re a powerful tool to help you grow your business and connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why analytics are crucial for improving your marketing strategy.
How to identify what’s working on social media and do more of it.
Tips for interpreting email marketing data, like open and click rates.
What your website analytics can tell you about visitor behavior and traffic sources.
The value of tracking analytics over time to identify patterns and opportunities.
How to approach analytics with curiosity instead of frustration.

Key Takeaways:

Social Media Analytics: Learn which platforms and posts perform best to refine your strategy.
Email Analytics: Focus on click rates and track what content engages your audience.
Website Analytics: Understand where your traffic is coming from and which pages convert best.
Track Trends Over Time: Patterns in data provide insights for long-term growth.
Experimentation Is Key: Use analytics to test, learn, and improve your marketing efforts.

Free Resource:
Download Gwen’s Analytics Tracker to start tracking your own data and learn how to interpret it for better results.

Move Past the Doubt: Business Lessons You Need to Embrace

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Running a business is filled with ups, downs, and lessons we learn over and over again. In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya explores the common fears, insecurities, and challenges that all business owners face, and offers insights on how to overcome them. From the vulnerability of being visible to the fear of making mistakes, Gwen sheds light on the shared struggles of entrepreneurship and provides actionable tips to navigate them.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why being visible in your business is non-negotiable and how to embrace it.
How to overcome the fear of being judged or perceived as salesy.
The reality of second-guessing decisions and how to move forward with confidence.
Why consistency in marketing matters more than perfection.
How to manage the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Practical advice to push past fear and step into your role as a business owner.

Key Takeaways:

Visibility is essential: Whether it’s through social media, networking, or emails, showing up is the foundation of your business growth.
Marketing is a skill: Every time you market your business, you’re learning and improving.
Reframe criticism: Not everyone will like what you do, and that’s okay. Focus on serving the people who value your work.
Learn through action: Accept that not every decision will be perfect, and trust that every step is a chance to refine your approach.
Ride the waves: Ups and downs are a natural part of business. Recognize them as opportunities for growth and reflection.

Know Your Audience: The Key to Better Marketing Decisions

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 3 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Understanding your audience is the foundation of effective marketing.

In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya dives into strategies for learning more about your audience so you can create better content, offers, and marketing strategies. From analyzing demographics and analytics to gathering insights through surveys and observations, Gwen offers actionable advice to help you connect with your audience and make data-informed decisions for your business.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to use demographics to identify key traits about your audience.
Leveraging your analytics to determine what content and platforms resonate most.
Tapping into your observations to uncover patterns and buying habits.
Analyzing your competitors to find gaps in the market or refine your approach.
Tips for creating effective surveys to gather direct feedback from your audience.
Why understanding your audience leads to better marketing decisions and offers.

Actionable Takeaways:

Review Demographics: Identify age, location, and interests of your audience to shape your strategy.
Analyze Your Data: Use website, social media, and email analytics to identify patterns and successes.
Leverage Observations: Reflect on questions, habits, and feedback you’ve noticed in your audience.
Study Competitors: Look at their strategies to uncover opportunities or gaps you can fill.
Ask Directly: Create short, simple surveys to collect actionable insights from your audience.

Stay Organized: Tools and Tips for Small Business Success

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to juggle in your business? In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya shares her favorite tools and strategies for staying organized.

From brain dumps and to-do lists to powerful platforms like Airtable and ClickUp, Gwen highlights practical ways to streamline your workflow, plan your marketing, and stay focused. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to refine your systems, this episode will help you gain clarity and get more done with less stress.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The power of a weekly brain dump to clear your mind and uncover connections.
Why to-do lists are an organizational superpower (and how to use them effectively).
How Airtable and ClickUp can simplify content management, workflows, and SOPs.
The importance of setting clear business goals to guide your organization.
How to build a content calendar aligned with your marketing strategy.
Why taking rest and time off is essential for staying focused and productive.

Tools and Resources Mentioned:

Brain Dumps: A simple, free way to declutter your mind and identify next steps.
To-Do Lists: Gwen’s favorite tool for daily organization and motivation.
Airtable: A versatile tool for managing contacts, content, and projects.
ClickUp: Ideal for tracking processes, creating SOPs, and managing ideas.
Content Calendars: A practical way to plan and execute your marketing strategy.

Marketing on the Fly: 13 Things You Can Do From Your Phone

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Running a business doesn’t always happen behind a desk.

In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya shares 13 practical tasks you can accomplish one-handed from your phone to keep your marketing and business goals moving forward. Whether you’re waiting in a pickup line, at an appointment, or simply taking advantage of a quick break, these actionable tips will help you stay productive without needing a full office setup.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to use the Canva app to create or edit graphics on the go.
Drafting emails, blog posts, and social media content directly from your phone.
Tips for cleaning up your inbox and managing saved articles.
Quick strategies for engaging with your social media audience.
The importance of taking short breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
Why you should periodically check your website for clarity, functionality, and mobile friendliness.
How to create a to-do list for future tasks when you have more time.

13 One-Handed Marketing Tasks You Can Do From Your Phone:

Create or edit graphics using the Canva app.
Draft emails or save them for later in your drafts folder.
Sketch out blog posts or social media content in a notes app or Google Drive.
Use scheduling apps to plan posts.
Clean up your email inbox and unsubscribe from unnecessary lists.
Read saved articles to learn something new or clear your reading list.
Engage with your social media audience: reply to comments, DMs, and follow new accounts.
Take a moment to meditate, relax, or play a game to recharge your brain.
Check your website for clarity and mobile-friendliness.
Test your website links to ensure everything is working as it should.
Start a to-do list for tasks to tackle later.
Catch up with a friend to maintain your social connections.
Reflect on how your downtime can support your overall marketing strategy.

Holistic Marketing: Why All Your Channels Need to Work Together

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya breaks down the power of integrated marketing and why small business owners need to connect their marketing channels for greater success.

From using your website as a home base to building an email list, leveraging social media, networking effectively, and optimizing for search engines, Gwen shares how each aspect of your marketing works together to help you grow your business. Discover actionable insights to stop relying solely on one platform and start creating a holistic marketing strategy.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why integrated marketing is critical for small business success.
How your website serves as the foundation of your marketing.
The role of social media in creating awareness and driving traffic.
Why building and nurturing your email list is a game-changer.
How networking can refine your pitch and expand your audience.
The long-term benefits of SEO and blogging for driving targeted traffic.
Common mistakes small business owners make by focusing too narrowly on one platform.
How to align your marketing channels for maximum impact.

2025 Marketing Trends and Predictions

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Key Takeaways:

1. Video Marketing: The Leading Trend for 2025 Why Video is a Game-Changer:

Builds instant trust and connection through facial expressions and voice tone.

Showcases your personality and work style better than text alone.

Short-Form Video Dominates: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn are focusing on short-form content.

Start with a captivating “hook” to grab attention in the first few seconds.

Tailor content to your audience—educate, entertain, or inspire in concise, engaging ways.

2. Community Building: A Key Marketing Prediction for 2025

The Power of Real Connections: Despite the digital noise, people want genuine interactions.

Engaging Through Social Media: Go beyond “post and ghost”—ask questions, respond to comments, and spark conversations.

Networking to Build Relationships: In-person events will be invaluable for referrals and collaborations. For virtual connections, participate in online communities and networking groups. Focus on building relationships, not immediate sales—show up curious and ready to help.

3. Blogging and Long-Form Content

Blogging isn’t Dead: Blogs remain a powerful tool for SEO and educating your audience.

Focus on creating in-depth, high-quality content that answers key questions your audience has.

Repurpose Content: Turn blogs into videos, social media posts, or email newsletters to maximize their reach.

4. Paid Communities on the Rise:

More businesses are creating paid memberships for exclusive content, networking, or support in places Substack, Patreon, Circle, and other options.

Shiny Objects vs. Sure Things: How to Focus on What Matters

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 6 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed in your business? You’re not alone. In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya shares practical strategies for managing overwhelm, prioritizing your tasks, and staying focused.

Gwen introduces her step-by-step flowchart to help you make better decisions about where to put your energy, from handling communication to tackling shiny new ideas. Whether you’re juggling too many responsibilities or just need a clear direction, this episode will help you feel more confident and in control.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to recognize and manage feelings of overwhelm in your business.
The importance of distinguishing “must-dos” from “nice-to-haves.”
Creative ways to outsource tasks in your business and personal life.
How to prioritize communication and current projects to keep your business running smoothly.
Strategies for maintaining visibility and building future income streams.
How to approach shiny new ideas without losing focus on your core goals.
Tips for balancing creativity, rest, and consistent action to grow your business.

Actionable Takeaways:

Evaluate your recent sales to identify where to focus your marketing efforts.
Consider outsourcing tasks—both in business and in life—to reduce your workload.
Use the flowchart to prioritize tasks based on their impact on your business.
Balance visibility efforts between owned platforms and community outreach.
Save shiny new ideas for when you’ve completed your essential tasks.

Get Found Locally: How to Leverage Google for Small Businesses

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, marketing strategist Gwen Montoya walks listeners through the ins and outs of Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).

From setting up and optimizing your profile to leveraging it as a powerful tool for local visibility, Gwen shares actionable advice for small business owners looking to make a great first impression online. If you've ever wondered how to get started or make the most of your Google Business listing, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What Google Business Profile is and why it's crucial for small businesses.
Step-by-step guidance for setting up and optimizing your profile.
The importance of using high-quality photos and keeping your information accurate.
How to craft a compelling business description using keywords your audience searches for.
Tips for adding products, services, and menu items to your profile.
Best practices for collecting and responding to customer reviews.
How to use weekly updates to keep your profile active and relevant.
Leveraging Google Business Profile insights to refine your marketing efforts.

Marketing Strategies That Don’t Rely on Social Media

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Gwen Montoya dives into the challenges of relying solely on social media for business marketing and explores alternative strategies to promote and grow your business.

From building a strong email list to leveraging in-person networking, Gwen shares actionable tips to create a diversified marketing plan that complements your social media efforts. Whether you're feeling burned out by algorithm changes or looking for long-term strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a well-rounded marketing approach.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why relying exclusively on social media is risky for your business.
The importance of an email list and how to maximize its potential.
How to leverage in-person networking events for lasting connections.
Long-term marketing strategies like SEO and blogging.
Options for starting your own podcast, YouTube channel, or guesting on others.
Immediate-action strategies like cold calling and running ads (and their pros/cons).
Tips for integrating various marketing methods into a cohesive plan.

Reignite Your Passion: Permission to Experiment in Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 20:47:16 +0000

In this episode of Adventures in Marketing, Gwen Montoya dives into the importance of giving yourself permission to experiment in your business. Feeling stuck, bored, or uninspired? Gwen explores how trying something new—from tweaking your offers to reaching new audiences—can reignite your passion and creativity. Learn how curiosity and low-risk experimentation can bring fresh energy to your business without the need to “burn it all down.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why business owners often feel stuck and bored after doing the same things for too long.
How giving yourself permission to experiment can lead to breakthroughs.
The benefits of approaching changes with curiosity instead of fear.
Practical, low-cost ways to experiment in your business, such as:
- Tweaking your offers or services.
- Exploring new audiences or demographics.
- Trying new ways to show up, like networking or starting a podcast.
- Collaborating or engaging with new groups.
Why experimenting doesn’t have to mean major changes or big investments.
How even small experiments can help you rediscover excitement and connection in your business.

Key Takeaways:

Experimentation doesn’t require a massive budget—start small and focus on curiosity.
Revisiting how you market, whom you serve, or how you show up can provide clarity and inspiration.
Trying something new, even if it doesn’t work out, helps you learn and grow as a business owner.
Staying engaged and curious keeps your business vibrant and prevents burnout.

Action Steps:

Reflect on areas of your business where you feel stuck or uninspired.
Brainstorm low-risk experiments, like tweaking your messaging or exploring a new platform.
Commit to trying one small experiment in the next week.
Remember to approach this process with playfulness and curiosity—it’s not about perfection!

Ways to Market Your Business Before You Open

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 23:58:22 +0000

Are you wondering how to market your business before opening?

Starting a new business is one of the most exciting and challenging adventures you can take. But once you’ve checked off the basics—like setting up your website, creating your social media accounts, and securing your location—how do you effectively market your business before it officially opens?

Whether you’re a small business owner launching a brick-and-mortar store or an online service, I’ll share practical, actionable strategies to help you build excitement, connect with your ideal audience, and set the stage for a successful grand opening.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How to create buzz and let people know your business exists—even before you open your doors.

✅ Marketing tips for brick-and-mortar businesses, like connecting with other local businesses, building a referral network, and using foot traffic to your advantage.

✅ Creative behind-the-scenes ideas to showcase your brand’s personality and journey (even if your business isn’t “photogenic”).

✅ How to use tools like a Google Business Profile and online directories to boost your visibility in local and niche markets.

Why This Matters

Marketing a business before it opens isn’t just about getting people in the door on day one—it’s about building long-term relationships with your audience and creating a community of loyal customers who are excited to support you from the very beginning.

Have questions about marketing your business before opening? Email me - gwen@gwenmontoya.com. I love helping small business owners feel confident and excited about their marketing strategies!

Launching a business is a journey, and I’m here to make marketing one less thing to stress about. Let’s do this together!

5 Signs Your Marketing Needs a Refresh

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we'll talk about the value of refreshing your marketing strategy to ensure your business stays resilient and ahead of challenges.

Whether you're aiming for exponential growth or a solid foundation, this episode will inspire you to take a closer look at your marketing.

What You’ll Learn:

Declining Leads or Sales: How to spot early signs that your marketing isn’t as effective as it used to be and why curiosity is the best response.

Adapting to Algorithm Changes: The impact of shifts in social media and search engine algorithms and how staying proactive can protect your business.

Business Changes: Why a shift in your goals, audience, or products might require a marketing refresh to align with your new direction.

Avoiding Marketing Ruts: The risks of sticking to the same strategies for too long and how to identify missed opportunities.

Diversifying Your Marketing: Why relying on a single source for leads leaves you vulnerable and the importance of exploring multiple channels.

Key Takeaways:

Regularly review your marketing strategy to ensure it supports your current goals and circumstances.

Diversify your lead sources to reduce risk and increase resilience.

Stay aware of industry trends and shifts, but don’t let them overwhelm you.

Marketing is not a one-and-done task; it’s a dynamic process that evolves with your business.

Refreshing your marketing doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s an opportunity to grow and strengthen your business.

Call to Action: Have questions or want to share how you’ve refreshed your marketing? Email me at gwen@gwenmontoya.com.

Ready for a marketing refresh of your own? Let's work together!

If you're looking for gentle, ongoing marketing support, check out the Adventures in Marketing membership!

Consistency and Baby Steps: Building Momentum in Your Marketing

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:13:07 +0000

While tiny steps might not be glamorous or make for exciting sales copy, they are essential for sustainable progress when it comes to marketing your small business.

Remember:

You don't need to have everything perfectly mapped out to start; taking the first step is crucial.
Small, consistent actions add up over time and can lead to substantial results.
Adapt your marketing efforts to fit your personal workflow and energy levels.

For more tips and insights on making marketing less intimidating, visit gwenmontoya.com.

If you're ready for support when it comes to being consistent, join the Adventures in Marketing group - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

From Browsing to Buying: Turning Website Visitors into Customers

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:18:07 +0000

In this episode, Gwen shares how you can turn website visitors into happy customers.

She covers making your website easy to navigate and engaging right from the start.

Learn why it's crucial to have your most important info where visitors expect it.

Gwen also explores the essentials of building trust through consistent branding and error-free pages, using language that speaks to your audience, and leveraging analytics to tailor your content perfectly.

You'll get practical tips on boosting your site’s traffic with smart SEO, engaging social media, and email marketing.

Wrapping up, you'll learn how to set realistic goals for your conversion rates and help you keep tweaking your marketing strategy to get better results.

Make your website not just a place to visit, but a place where visitors become loyal customers!

Dealing with Unsupportive Friends and Family

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:42:04 +0000

As much as we'd love for our friends and family to be as excited about our business as we are, it doesn't always work that way.

So what do you say to someone who can't resist telling you how bad your business idea is or sends you every scary small business article they come across?

In this episode Gwen shares quick tips and ideas to help you manage unsupportive friends and family.

Want more marketing support?

Become an AIM member

Connect with me on TikTok

Getting Your Groove Back

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:16:20 +0000

What do you do when you've lost your groove and how do you get it back?

In this episode Gwen shares quick tips and ideas to help you rediscover your groove!

Want more marketing support?

Become an AIM member

Connect with me on TikTok

Deep Dive into the Instagram Algorithm

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 18:46:53 +0000

If you're struggling with Instagram right now, you're not alone!

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about the different areas of Instagram (the main feed, Stories, Reels, and the explore page) and how Instagram ranks content for each area AND how you can work with the algorithm instead of fighting against it.

Want to go deeper? Here's the blog post from Instagram explaining how they rank things.

Want to stay up to date on Instagram changes and updates? Follow the Instagram Creator's account or join my Tidbit email list to get weekly curated marketing updates (and how they impact you!).

Funding Resources for Small Businesses

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 23:44:08 +0000

Lack of access to funding is a common challenge for small business owners.

I wanted to put something together that was current, accurate, and wasn't an affiliate-link mill or advertisement for one business.So I did!

Read the blog post (and find all the links you need) here.

If you'd like to explore crowdfunding, check out my crowdfunding episode here.

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group starting at $10/month. There are different tiers for different marketing support needs!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake form here and we can chat about what you are looking for.

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

And connect with me on social media! I'm most active on TikTok.

Creating Content with Purpose

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 8 Mar 2023 19:48:29 +0000

The content you create isn't just meant to fill a slot on your content calendar. It has a job.

In this episode, Gwen explains how to create content with purpose, how to track what's working, and how to create content that resonates with your intended audience.

Get the Content with Purpose mini-course

Become an AIM member

Read the blog post version of this podcast episode

Connect with me on TikTok

ChatGPT for Small Business Owners

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 02:58:55 +0000

Learn about ChatGPT, and how it can be helpful in streamlining content creation.

In this episode Gwen shares ways small businesses can use ChatGPT to their advantage: streamline content creation, improve consistency, and enhance the customer experience.

By using ChatGPT to generate ideas and copy for emails, social media, videos, blogs, and more, businesses can save time and focus on other parts of their business. The consistency of content creation can also improve, which can lead to a better customer experience by providing extra touches of customer care and service.

Get the ChatGPT for Content Creation mini-course.

Become an AIM member.

Read the blog post version of this podcast episode.

Connect with me on TikTok.

5 Ways to Streamline Content Creation

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 03:24:07 +0000

The term "content creation" is often overused in marketing but it remains an important aspect of running a business.

With so much content to create, it can be overwhelming for business owners.

However, with proper planning and organization, the content creation process can be streamlined to be faster and more effective.

A content calendar is a useful tool in this process as it helps plan ahead when to post and on which platform. The calendar can also be used to determine the type of content to be shared and the assets needed. Each piece of content should fit into the overall marketing strategy, which may include educating the audience, engaging them, generating leads or sales, sharing expertise, or building community.

Reusing, repurposing, and recycling content is another way to make the content work harder and increase impact while saving time.

Templates can also be used to streamline the content creation process by providing a shortcut and reducing the number of decisions that need to be made.

By using templates, the general idea of what is needed is established and the content creation becomes easier over time.

Also discussed in this episode - planning to promote the content you create, creating SOPs to make processes repeatable, and using ChatGPT to write outlines and help ideate.

Learn more about how to use ChatGPT in my new mini-course here.

Read the blog post version of this podcast here.

5 Questions to Ask

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 20:57:46 +0000

There's a lot of rush and pressure for small business owners to make quick decisions, always know what is going on, and "be successful".

But what if there were another way to look at it? What if you could create goals that suit your own definition of success and work in a way that feels good to you?

Interested in learning how we can work together to build a roadmap between where you are now and where you want to go? Complete my intake form here.

13 Low Energy Marketing Tasks

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:11:37 +0000

No matter how passionate we are about the work we do or the impact we have, we're all going to have low energy days when it comes to our business.

And you know what? It is ok to shift your tasks on those days to something that feels more manageable and doable for where you are that day.

In this episode we talk about 13 things you can do on low energy days (or if you're working on handed because you're nursing a baby).

Interested in ongoing marketing support and resources? Join my Adventures in Marketing membership starting at $10/month.

Local SEO 101

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:32:10 +0000

Local SEO (and all SEO) is a big topic, but I wanted to share this podcast episode to get you started.

While I don't help businesses exclusively with SEO anymore, this is something I am passionate about. If you need a referral for someone to help you with your local SEO, please let me know!

Interested in ongoing marketing support and resources? Join my Adventures in Marketing membership starting at $10/month.

5 Marketing Traps to Avoid

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 01:23:02 +0000

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!

Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat!

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Join my email list to be notified of new podcast episodes and get other bonuses!

Wearing All the Hats

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 3 Jun 2022 18:02:21 +0000

Download your own copy of the flowchart here - https://www.subscribepage.com/flowchart

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!

Rethinking Instagram

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 25 May 2022 00:34:41 +0000

Instagram is adding even more changes and many are struggling with the algorithm.

Let's talk about how today's Instagram plays into your overall marketing strategy and why I think Instagram is now three social media platforms in one!

Looking for more marketing support?

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!

Staying Focused in the Noise

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (gwen montoya) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:35:57 +0000

f you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!

Gwen's Flow Chart

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 9 Feb 2022 23:55:08 +0000

Basics of Starting Your Own Podcast

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 03:09:58 +0000

Tools and Resources mentioned in the podcast (please note, I don't use affiliate marketing - I actually use and like these products/services):

Simplecast - podcast host - www.simplecast.com
Blue Yeti Snowball- the microphone I use - https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/snowball/
Audacity - the tool I use to edit and record podcasts - https://www.audacityteam.org
Otter.ai - transcription service - https://otter.ai

My blog post with free/low cost music options - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/6-places-to-find-stock-audio-for-your-podcast-or-video

Podcast promotion pdf - https://www.subscribepage.com/podcastpromo

*******

Uh-oh Bad Review - Now What?

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 02:01:10 +0000

Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat! - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Join my email list to be notified of new podcast episodes and get other bonuses!

Why You Need a Website

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 22:21:33 +0000

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Choosing a website service provider:
https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/should-you-use-wix-weebly-squarespace-or-wordpress

My curated branding boards on Pinterest:

Branding Basics

Branding - Font Ideas

Branding - Color Ideas

*****

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat! - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Join my email list to be notified of new podcast episodes and get other bonuses!

Exploring Instagram Story Highlights

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 9 Jun 2021 21:37:24 +0000

In this episode Gwen talks about how to use Instagram Story Highlights to connect with your audience and turn this often over-looked feature in a powerful part of your overall marketing.

If you're new to Instagram Stories, here is an article about creating your first one!

*******

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, apply for a four week marketing intensive spot here - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Join my email list to be notified of new podcast episodes and get other bonuses!

Crowdfunding Success Tips

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:08:50 +0000

Crowdfunding is often a popular topic in small business circles, but it isn't as straightforward (or easy) as it may seem.

In this episode Gwen, drawing on her experience in managing, consulting, and advising for many crowdfunding projects, shares ten ways to ensure your crowdfunding campaign is a success.

*******

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, apply for a four week marketing intensive spot here - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

10 Ways to Grow Your Email List

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:20:00 +0000

Email marketing is a powerful business tool and when you know how to use it, you can make the most out of it!

This episode shares ten ways to grow your email list so you can reach your audience on your terms and timeframe instead of relying on social media algorithms.

******

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, apply for a four week marketing intensive spot here - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Clubhouse 101

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:56:47 +0000

Clubhouse is the extremely popular new iPhone only (for now) audio-only app that is creating a lot of buzz.

In this episode I break down what Clubhouse is, who it is for, and how to use it.

I also share the downsides and dig into whether or not this is an app you need to be using.

Read the companion blog post of this episode here.

The blog post has more technical how-do and screenshots with explanations.

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, apply for a four week marketing intensive spot here - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with Canva

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 2 Dec 2020 18:17:33 +0000

I love sharing tools and apps that make marketing easier and more streamlined for business owners. When I sat down to write a podcast about my favorite apps, I kept adding to the list of things I loved about Canva and it became this episode.

A quick reminder - I don't use affiliate links or marketing in my business. If I recommend a product, service, or provider it is because I'm a fan not because I'm getting paid to promote it.

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

17 Options for Unique and Diverse Stock Photos - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/17-options-for-unique-and-diverse-stock-photos

Canva - www.canva.com

Adobe Spark - https://spark.adobe.com/

WordSwag - http://wordswag.co/

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!
Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

If you'd like one-on-one support, apply for a four week marketing intensive spot here - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A

Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www.gwenmontoya.com

Baby Steps to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 04:05:21 +0000

Have you ever felt as if you're faking it and someone is going to find out? Or maybe that what you do is easy and you're not sure why someone would pay for it? Or maybe you have a voice in your head insisting that someone else has already done it better than you ever could?

In this episode I share baby steps to overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the moment so you can keep moving forward.

Being Real on Social Media

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 21:59:09 +0000

In this episode I talk about comparison gremlins and social media content ideas that let your audience connect with you.

Ready to grow your business? Join my membership group.

20+ Ways to Grow Your Business Without Social Media

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 22:06:13 +0000

If you're feeling overwhelmed with social media, tired of algorithms, and wondering if it is possible to still grow your business without social media, this is the episode you're looking for!

In this episode I talk about MOB networking - see upcoming meetups here.

I also talk about MOBCON (happening September 27th & 28th). Learn more about MOBCON here and use THIS LINK to get $10 off your ticket. Tickets are $149 for general admission and $99 for MOBAlliance members. This conference has over 20 breakout session speakers, networking, a Marco Polo channel for connecting with speakers and other attendees before and after the event - so if you're looking to grow your business - this conference is a great investment.

The companion Pinterest board for this episode can be found here.

And, finally, a shoutout to Emily Jones of Free Spirit Coaching for the inspiration to create this episode. Emily is a trauma-informed life coach and you can learn more about her here.

Have questions or a topic you'd like to me talk about on the podcast? Email me! gwen@gwenmontoya.com

Join my membership group here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership

Sign up for my email list here.

What We Learn from Failure

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 02:45:45 +0000

In this episode I explore why I think failure can be a powerful learning experience.

I also share my own favorite failure (the one I did three years in a row!)

Ready to grow your business? Join my membership group.

Stop Asking "What Would You Pay for This"

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 02:40:14 +0000

You can't rely on friends, family, and strangers on the internet to price the products you make or the services you sell.

I dive into some of my favorite topics for this episode! Pricing, value, and communicating that to your buyers and clients.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

Launching Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:40:44 +0000

I love working with businesses that are just launching to help them get started the right way (and avoid complications and headaches later!)

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Choosing your website creator - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/should-you-use-wix-weebly-squarespace-or-wordpress

Which social media is right for you? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-choosing-the-best-social-media-platform-for-your-business/id1453309708?i=1000439198511

View the companion Pinterest board for this episode - https://www.pinterest.com/gmontoyapdx/how-to-launch-a-business/

Gwen's website - www.gwenmontoya.com

Ready for ongoing support, accountability, and resources? Join my membership group! https://www.gwenmontoya.com/membership.html

Why I Don't Want You to Listen to My Podcast This Week

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 01:53:51 +0000

There are so many amazing marketing podcasters out there! In this episode I share seven I enjoy.

Link to other podcasts blog post - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/7-podcasts-you-should-listen-to-this-week

Link to Anti-Racism isn't a Marketing Choice - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/anti-racism-isnt-a-marketing-choice

Anti-Racism resource list - https://www.themobnation.com/blog/want-to-do-better-but-arent-sure-where-to-start-start-here

Pinterest 101

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Mon, 4 May 2020 22:42:30 +0000

Pinterest is one of my favorite platforms and accounts for a significant piece of the new traffic that comes to my website each month.

It is a HUGE topic, but so much fun to explore!

This this episode we'll about what Pinterset is, how it works, and why it matters.

I'll also give you a rundown of the lingo and best Pinterest practices in 2020!

Ready for ongoing marketing support and accountability? Join my membership group - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/membership.html

What to Do Now (COVID & Business)

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 19:24:21 +0000

COVID made is 10x (at least) as hard to run a business that normal, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do.

Whether your business is slowed down, stopped, or undergoing a big pivot, I'm sharing tips and ideas to help!

Ready for ongoing marketing support? Join my membership group - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/membership.html

#19 - Getting More Traffic to Your Website

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:42:42 +0000

I often hear "I need to get more traffic to my website" as if that is the entire goal - just traffic.

But traffic is just the first step! You need to focus on user friendliness, growing your email list, and conversion, too!

Check out this episode's companion Pinterest board for more ideas and links.

Related podcasts:

10 Things Your Website Must Have

Using and Growing Your Email List

What SEO Can & Can't Do for Your Business

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#18 - Holiday Marketing Tips

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:40:50 +0000

No matter which holiday you are planning for, if you make more sales during a "holiday season" you need to start weeks and even months earlier than you think you do to get the most out of your promotions.

In this episode I break it down for you!

For more resources, go to the Pinterest board for this episode - https://www.pinterest.com/gmontoyapdx/holiday-marketing-tips/

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#17 - Networking Tips

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 05:25:15 +0000

Networking isn't something that comes easy to me and I can't say I ever really look forward to it (except for MOB meetups, of course!)

In this episode I share ideas and tips to make your next networking experience a success instead of a nightmare.

For more networking tips and ideas, check out the companion Pinterest board for this episode.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#16 - Why You Need an Email List and What to Do with It

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 04:02:17 +0000

I'm a big believer in not showing up on every platform (which means I'm definitely not going to tell you to do it), but you NEED an email list!

Your social media accounts can get hacked, deleted, suspended....and it is all out of your control.

But an email list? That's yours!

After you've listened to the episode, check out the companion Pinterest board for resources and ideas!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#15 - Getting Out of a Slump in Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 04:02:52 +0000

It can feel so frustrating to be humming along in your business and then WHAM suddenly everything feels harder than it should be and that progress you were making starts to slide until you're not even sure what you're doing anymore.

Welcome to a slump.

Let's talk about five signs to pay attention to and ways to pull yourself out of the slump.

Check out the Pinterest board for this episode for more resources and ideas.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#14 - Managing Your Business When the Kids Go Back to School

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 23:30:24 +0000

Visit the Pinterest link for this episode for more resources!

For many parents their kids' first year of school is when they come back to their business after a break.

It is exciting to dive back into your business and get things moving again! In this episode I share ideas and insight into protecting your time and getting things done!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#13 - Content Audit - What, Why, and How

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Thu, 1 Aug 2019 21:37:15 +0000

Ah, content! The thing we're all supposed to be producing, but no one really knows what to create or what to do with it once its made.

In this episode, I dive into how to create your own content audit! TRUST ME - you want do to one! It will save you hours of time, rivers of tears, and make you feel like a genius at the same time.

The companion blog post - Never Run Out of Content Again

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#12 - 10 Things Your Website Must Have

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 20:46:31 +0000

It isn't enough to throw up a website, fill out your about page, add a couple of photos, and never thing about it again.

Your website needs to work for you!

The ten must have things I cover in this episode will make your website stronger, better, and more likely to bring you business.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#11 - Take the Compliment

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 5 Jun 2019 22:27:16 +0000

Ok, maybe don't say "I'm awesome", but you probably need to learn how to accept the compliments you receive!

More resources -

85 Ways to Say Thank You

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#10 - Seven Time Saving Marketing Ideas

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 31 May 2019 04:19:08 +0000

Who doesn't need more time in their day?

Use the tips in this episode to reclaim time to do something you love!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

# 9 - Choosing the Best Social Media Platform for Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Fri, 24 May 2019 04:29:26 +0000

I don't want you to be everywhere because you really, really don't need to be!

Before you sign up for every platform (and what ever shiny new one comes along next), let's talk about these questions:

1) What are your goals?

2) Where are your people?

3) Can you create the content they want to see?

4) Where do you want to be?

5) How do you continue the relationship?

Planners and tools mentioned:

www.planoly.com
www.tailwind.com
www.smarterqueue.com

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#8 - Addressing Self Sabotage

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 15 May 2019 05:48:45 +0000

Self sabotage makes you doubt your decisions, puts barriers in your way, and generally ruins a perfect good day.

BUT - if you know what to look for you can win!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#7 - Should You Use Instagram Stories?

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 8 May 2019 21:24:21 +0000

Instagram Stories can be a great way to connect with your audience on Instagram - learn some tips and tricks in this episode!

Link to my Guide to Instagram Stories - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-using-instagram-stories (its a long read, so get comfy!)

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#5 - What SEO Can and Can't Do for Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 1 May 2019 23:30:31 +0000

Fair warning - I'm an SEO nerd.

I love digging into the SEO on a site, improving it, and teaching people how to use it to grow their business.

But it isn't a one size fits all solution and it isn't the only marketing tool you should be using.

In this episode I talk about what SEO can and can't do for your business!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#6 - Eight Things You Need to Get Over as a Female Business Owner

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:59:48 +0000

I work primarily with women business owners, and these issues come up over and over.

Let's talk about them, get them out into the light, and start reclaiming our awesomeness in the process.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#4 - The Pajama Spectrum of Being Visible in Your Business

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:20:15 +0000

Can you wear your pajamas and still be visible enough to grow your business? Yes!

I break it all down for you in this episode!

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#3 - Going All In

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 07:54:56 +0000

When you run a business you have to put your heart into and go all in. Let's talk about why.

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

#2 - 10 Apps & Websites I Love

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 02:18:00 +0000

Canva - www.canva.com

Wordswag (app)

Adobe Spark Post - www.spark.adobe.com/about/post (also an app version)

SmarterQueue - www.smarterqueue.com

Facebook Debugger - www.developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/

Mile IQ (app)

Instacart - www.instacart.com

Google Drive

Waze (app)

Pandora - www.pandora.com

Connect with me online:

www.gwenmontoya.com
www.facebook.com/gmontoyapdx
www.twitter.com/gmontoyapdx
www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

#1 - 19 Ten Minute Marketing Tasks

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 03:31:00 +0000

Originally published as a blog post - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/19-ten-minute-marketing-hacks

Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!

Welcome to the Adventures in Marketing Podcast

gwen@gwenmontoya.com (Gwen Montoya) — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 04:14:00 +0000

Gwen talks about the reasons behind creating a podcast and why she calls this a "not -a-podcast podcast"

Connect with me online at:

www.gwenmontoya.com
www.facebook.com/gmontoyapdx
www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx
www.twitter.com/gmontoyapdx