Build Your Marketing Muscles - Small Business Marketing Strategies

Gwen Montoya, Gwen Montoya - Marketing Strategist
  • 4.8 (25)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Build Your Marketing Muscles is the podcast for small business owners who are done chasing every new marketing trend and ready for a strategy that actually works. Hosted by marketing strategist Gwen Montoya, each episode helps you step back and see the big picture — connecting your website, social media, email marketing, and more — so you can finally know what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus your time and energy. You’ll get clear, doable marketing advice that fits your business — the kind that helps you skip the overwhelm, trust your own decisions, and actually make progress. Instead of chasing every new platform or “must-do” tactic, we’ll focus on building a marketing approach that works together across all your channels.

  1. 09/08/2025

    Making Your Marketing More Effective

    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 Key Takeaways Sales often stall when your messaging is outdated, unclear, or aimed at the wrong audience.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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    18 min

  2. 06/23/2025

    Staying Focused in Your Business When Everything is Changing

    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 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    12 min

  3. 04/21/2025

    Nurturing Your Email List: Simple Shifts for Better Results

    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. 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    21 min

  4. 03/27/2025

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

    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. 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    13 min

  5. 03/17/2025

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

    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 ChallengeI’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 NextMonths 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! 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    14 min

  6. 03/10/2025

    Creating Content That Converts

    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. 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    12 min

  7. 03/03/2025

    Content Planning Hacks to Keep Your Marketing Consistent

    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. 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    9 min

  8. 02/24/2025

    Leaky Marketing Explained: How to Identify and Fix It

    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. 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.comTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gmontoyapdxYouTube: www.youtube.com/gwenmontoyaInstagram: www.instagram.com/gmontoyapdx

    9 min
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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Build Your Marketing Muscles is the podcast for small business owners who are done chasing every new marketing trend and ready for a strategy that actually works. Hosted by marketing strategist Gwen Montoya, each episode helps you step back and see the big picture — connecting your website, social media, email marketing, and more — so you can finally know what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus your time and energy. You’ll get clear, doable marketing advice that fits your business — the kind that helps you skip the overwhelm, trust your own decisions, and actually make progress. Instead of chasing every new platform or “must-do” tactic, we’ll focus on building a marketing approach that works together across all your channels.

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