Social Media News Live: Discussing the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creato

Jeff Sieh

Social Media News Live keeps you up-to-date on what's happening in the world of social media! We discuss the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers. We broadcast live so YOU can ask the questions that matter most to you and your business.

  1. FEB 5

    Why Writing a Book Still Matters for Creators (and How AI Changes the Game)

    A lot of creators think writing a book is something you do after you’ve “made it.” In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Vassallo to talk about why that mindset is backwards, and why a book can still be one of the most powerful credibility tools a content creator can have. We get into how books build authority, open doors, and help people take you seriously long before you have a massive audience. Lauren also breaks down how AI is changing the publishing process, not by replacing writers, but by lowering the friction that stops most people from ever starting. We talk about using AI for structure, momentum, and editing support, while keeping your voice, experience, and thinking firmly human. Whether your goal is speaking, consulting, better clients, or simply clarifying your message, this conversation is especially helpful if you’ve been sitting on an idea for years and keep telling yourself you’re “not a writer.” ---------------------- Key TakeawaysYou don’t need to start from scratch: Podcasts, videos, and newsletters can become the foundation of a book.Short books are valid books: Guides, workbooks, and focused niche books absolutely count.Books work best as business tools: They support speaking, partnerships, PR, and higher-level offers.Planning matters more than talent: Clear outlines and realistic timelines prevent stalls.AI reduces friction, not responsibility: Use it to assist, but keep your thinking and voice intact.Writing clarifies your positioning: Many creators sharpen their message just by working through the process. LinksLauren's Podcast: www.publishprosperpodcast.comLulu Publishing: www.lulu.com(Check out all their free resources!) www.lulu.com/resourcesConnect With Lauren On LinkedIn and Instagram! The Unsinkable Conor Brown: www.vacationkingdoms.com ---------------------- Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15 SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns. a href="https://www.youtube.com/@socialmedianewslive" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    55 min
  2. JAN 31

    Why Great Brands Are Ignored (And How PR Builds Trust Faster Than Marketing)

    If you’ve ever thought, “We’re doing good work… so why is nobody paying attention?” this episode is going to hit close to home. I sat down with Amy Kehs, who’s spent decades helping museums, including the Smithsonian, go from overlooked to deeply loved. And while her background is in museums, everything we talk about applies directly to creators, solopreneurs, and small businesses. We dig into why marketing alone isn’t cutting it anymore, especially in a world where people are overwhelmed with messages all day long. Amy breaks down the real difference between marketing, advertising, and public relations, and why PR builds trust faster because it relies on relationships, credibility, and other people talking about you. We also talk about brand messaging, customer experience, and why being “a hidden gem” is usually a relevance problem, not a visibility problem. This episode is all about creating brand love. Not louder promotion, not more content, but clearer messaging, better experiences, and trust that compounds over time. ---------------------- Key TakeawaysPR builds trust faster than marketing: People believe what others say about you more than what you say about yourself.Being ignored is usually a relevance problem: If people don’t quickly understand why you matter, more promotion won’t help.Clear messaging beats clever messaging: Repeating a simple, consistent message is how brands become memorable.Experience is part of the brand: Websites, emails, and first impressions shape trust long before someone buys.Earned media validates decisions: Third-party mentions reassure people they’re making the right choice.Relationships compound over time: Long-term trust and loyalty outperform short-term attention every time LinksAmy Kehs: www.lovemymuseum.comAmy's FREE Resources: https://www.lovemymuseum.com/resourcesLove My Museum Podcast: www.lovemymuseum.com/podcastThe Unsinkable Conor Brown: www.vacationkingdoms.com ---------------------- Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15 SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns. a href="https://www.youtube.com/@socialmedianewslive" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    54 min
  3. JAN 26

    Why Creators Are Going More Human in an AI World

    There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing creators, automating everything, and turning content into something fast, polished, and forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gowder to talk about why the opposite shift is happening, creators are leaning more human, more personal, and more real, not less. Paul has spent decades building community online, long before algorithms and AI tools were part of the conversation. We talk about why raw content is starting to outperform polished feeds, why people are craving connection over perfection, and how things like live video, email, and community spaces are becoming trust signals again. This conversation is about relationships, not reach, and why creators who embrace their full personality, interests, and stories are the ones who will stand out as AI continues to flood the internet with generic content. Key TakeawaysPolished content isn’t the advantage it used to be: Raw, imperfect posts signal that a real human is behind the content.People connect to people, not niches: Sharing parts of your life and interests builds trust faster than one-dimensional posting.Community is not a platform: Your community includes everyone who feels connected to your content, even if they never comment.Live video creates shared experience: Real-time interaction builds deeper bonds than edited content alone.Email is still one of the strongest trust channels: Writing like a person, not a brand, creates real connection.Stories beat surface-level tips: Teaching what something meant to you matters more than explaining how to do it.Doing the “unscalable” work sets you apart: Replying to emails, asking questions, and engaging directly builds loyalty.Creators should stop chasing vanity metrics: Replies, conversations, and feedback are stronger signals than views alone.Offline relationships still matter: Conferences, meetups, and face-to-face interactions strengthen online trust.AI can support creators, but it can’t replace humanity: Personal experience, mistakes, and perspective are irreplaceable. Resources Paul Gowder: www.paulgowder.comOn The Way Community: www.onthewaycommunity.comPowWows.com: www.powwows.com/powwow101 ---------------------- Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live...

    54 min
  4. JAN 24

    How Creators Actually Make Money With Brand Deals, Reviews, and Live Selling

    A lot of content creators talk about monetization, but very few explain what it actually looks like. In this episode, we chat with Billy Thorpe, who’s built a real business around brand deals, shoppable videos, and live selling without relying on a massive audience or viral hits. Billy breaks down why most creators misunderstand brand deals, especially the idea that you need big follower counts to get paid. We dig into what brands really care about: usable content, clear demos, reliability, and why systems matter more than motivation. He also shares how volume, when done with repeatable formats and smart workflows, leads to income that compounds instead of burning you out. We also get into live selling, AI, platform risk, and why “maybe money” from algorithms should never be your only plan. This conversation is a reality check for creators who want to stop guessing and start building something boring, stable, and sustainable… on their own terms. Key TakeawaysBrand deals don’t require big audiences: Brands pay for clear demos, reliable delivery, and usable content, not follower counts.Volume works when systems exist: Burnout comes from chaos, not from publishing more content.Batching removes decision fatigue: Pre-deciding formats and workflows makes consistency easier.Assets matter more than analytics: A portfolio of finished content closes deals faster than pitch decks or dashboards.Live selling scales trust: One-to-many selling builds confidence faster than one-to-one sales.Don’t build on one platform: Algorithms, payouts, and rules change without warning. Diversification protects you.AI should support, not replace you: Use it for structure and clarity, not fake opinions or avatars. ResourcesBilly Thorpe: https://billythorpe.liveBilly's Dealmakers Community is FREE to join right now! Check it out! ---------------------- Check out all the fun things The Unsinkable Conor Brown has going on at: https://www.vacationkingdoms.com/ ---------------------- Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15 SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns. Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the...

    53 min
  5. JAN 5

    How AI Is Changing Graphic Design (And What Creators Should Do Now)

    If design has ever felt overwhelming, especially with AI tools popping up every five minutes, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Maliha Khan, founder of Khanect the Dots, to talk about what’s really happening at the intersection of AI, Canva, and modern design workflows, and how creators can use these tools without spiraling into chaos. Maliha has a great way of describing where many creators get stuck, the “messy middle” between strategy and execution. We dig into how AI can either help you move faster or push you straight into tactical overload, depending on how you approach it. From Canva’s latest AI features to building a tech stack that actually fits your brain, this conversation is all about clarity, consistency, and staying human in the process. This episode is especially for creators who want their visuals to look intentional, on-brand, and professional, without spending hours tweaking templates or chasing every new trend. AI isn’t here to replace designers or creators, but it can absolutely make your workflow easier if you use it with purpose. Key TakeawaysAI works best when strategy comes first: Tools are helpful, but without clarity around message and audience, they just create more noise.Consistency beats chasing trends: You don’t need every new feature; you need a workflow you can repeat week after week.Your input determines your output: AI needs context, brand voice, and direction; otherwise, everything it produces sounds generic.Design doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective: Hitting 80 percent and shipping often beats endless tweaking.Templates are a starting point, not the finish line: Mixing elements, animations, and brand assets helps your visuals stand out.Brand voice matters as much as visuals: Clear guidelines help AI tools support your brand instead of diluting it.AI should reduce friction, not add pressure: Use it to offload busywork, not to replace creative judgment.The human layer still matters most: Taste, experience, and review are things AI can’t replicate. ResourcesMaliha Khanwww.khanectthedots.comCanva Toolkit (Free Resource from Maliha)www.khanectthedots.com/canvatoolkitKhanect the Dots Workshops & TrainingsStrategy-first sessions covering Canva, AI workflows, brand voice, and content...

    54 min
  6. 12/17/2025

    AI Is Changing Search Forever: How Creators Can Still Get Found

    If you’ve noticed your content isn’t getting found the way it used to, you’re not imagining things. Search is changing fast, and AI is right in the middle of it. This week, I’m joined by my friend Rich Brooks, digital marketing veteran, agency owner, and host of the Agents of Change podcast, to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes with search and what creators need to do next. We talk about why informational SEO is taking a hit, how AI overviews and answer engines are changing traffic patterns, and why fewer visits doesn’t automatically mean worse results. Rich explains the shift toward higher-intent traffic, branded search, and why trust, authority, and clarity matter more than chasing rankings. This episode is all about adjusting expectations and strategies without panicking. From optimizing service pages to thinking differently about PR, branding, and video content, Rich shares practical guidance to help creators and businesses stay visible, credible, and relevant in an AI-driven world. Key TakeawaysInformational SEO is losing ground: AI summaries often answer top-of-funnel questions before anyone clicks a website.Fewer visits can mean better leads: Traffic may drop, but intent is getting sharper, especially for service-based businesses.Optimize bottom-of-funnel pages first: Service and sales pages matter more than ever for conversions.Branded search is becoming critical: When people search for you by name, AI and search engines take notice.External citations matter: AI tools look at trusted directories, media outlets, and third-party sources to decide who to recommend.Consistency builds entity trust: Saying the same thing about your brand across your site, directories, and profiles helps AI understand who you are.Video and podcasting still matter: Showing up as a real human builds trust and authority AI can’t fake.Answer real questions clearly: FAQs, structured content, and clear explanations help both humans and AI understand your expertise. ResourcesConnect with Rich Brooks on LinkedInAgents of Change Podcast: www.theagentsofchange.com/podcastsFlight New Media: www.takeflight.com Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15 SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns. Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated. Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community. Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show...

    55 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    Why Your YouTube Channel Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It in 2025)

    If you’ve ever wondered why your YouTube channel seems stuck (fewer views, flat growth, confused analytics), you’re not alone. In this episode, Jerry Potter joins us to break down what’s actually changed inside YouTube’s ecosystem in 2025 and why creators who “used to do everything right” are now struggling. Jerry has grown multiple successful channels and now teaches business owners how to build a thriving YouTube presence in just 90 minutes a week, without burnout. Jerry explains the shift from keyword-based discovery to AI-driven understanding. YouTube is no longer relying on tags and titles alone; it can interpret the transcript, visuals, tone, and even emotional cues inside your video. That means creators who post too many unrelated topics send mixed signals, confusing the algorithm and limiting reach. Jerry introduces the “Magnetic Eight,” a strategy where you publish eight tightly focused videos in a row to retrain YouTube on exactly who your ideal viewer is. We also unpack relevance, high-retention editing frameworks, and how creators can move faster by separating decisions from actions in their workflow. Jerry shares practical guidance on thumbnails, titles, and emotional connection, showing that creators don’t need fancier edits, just clarity and consistency. Whether you’re rebuilding a stalled channel or launching fresh in 2025, this episode offers a roadmap for regaining momentum and getting your videos recommended again. Key TakeawaysYouTube now understands your content holistically, not through keywords. The platform reads your transcript, your visuals, your delivery, and the emotional tone of your video to decide who it’s for and whether to recommend it.Mixed topics confuse the algorithm. If you talk to different audiences on the same channel, YouTube doesn’t know who to show your videos to, which slows growth dramatically.The “Magnetic Eight” can reset your channel. Publishing eight videos in a row around one hyper-specific topic signals to YouTube exactly who your ideal viewer is.Relevance beats everything else. A great thumbnail and title won’t save a video that doesn’t match the audience YouTube thinks you’re serving.Editing for retention matters more than fancy production. Viewers stay when the content feels clear and purposeful, not when it’s over-edited.Separate decisions from actions. Jerry’s system helps creators move faster by batching planning and recording, instead of trying to do everything at once.Your audience wants a guide, not a performer. Show up to serve a specific viewer with a specific problem, and YouTube will reward you. ResourcesJerry's YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@mrjerrypotter Grow your channel in 90 minutes a week: www.yt90roadmap.com Jerry's Website: donebylunch.co Creator Camp (but in the UK!!): tubefest.co.uk/creator-camp ---------------------- Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15 SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode...

    56 min
  8. 12/03/2025

    How to Use Podcasting to Grow Your Business and Attract Better Leads

    If you’ve ever wondered why some podcasters seem to attract clients effortlessly while others feel like they’re shouting into the void, this conversation with Katie Brinkley is the one you want in your earbuds. Katie has been helping business owners turn podcasts into strategic assets for years, and in this episode she breaks down how you can use your show to build trust, shorten your sales cycle, and stop treating your podcast like a hobby that’s supposed to magically “go viral.” We dig into why intention beats volume, why a clear “why” for your show changes everything, and how your podcast can become the core of your content system instead of one more thing you’re scrambling to promote. Katie also shares how long it really takes to see traction, what metrics actually matter, and how business owners can repurpose a single episode into newsletters, social posts, lead magnets, and more without burning out. Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or already knee-deep in episodes, this one will help you tighten your message, sharpen your strategy, and actually bring in better leads who already trust you before they ever get on a sales call. Key TakeawaysA focused podcast beats a busy one: Clear messaging, one strong takeaway, and intentional episode planning attract far better leads than publishing constantly without purpose.Your “why” drives everything: When you know the real reason your show exists, your guests, format, content, and CTAs all get sharper and more effective.Podcasting is a trust tool, not just a visibility tool: Listeners give you their full attention, and that connection speeds up the sales process dramatically.Success takes consistency, not virality: Most podcasters expect quick wins, but real traction comes from treating your show like a long-term business asset.Repurposing turns one episode into a full content system: Your podcast can fuel newsletters, social posts, lead magnets, marketing assets, and even books.Marketing your show matters more than you think: If people don’t know your podcast exists, they can’t listen. Discovery happens because of strategy, not luck.The Four-Post Strategy works beautifully for podcasters: Awareness, elaboration, community, and action posts help you promote each episode without burnout. ResourcesKatie Brinkley’s Website katiebrinkley.comChoose your own adventure: agency, podcast, newsletter, speaking, and more. Katie's Podcasts youtube.com/@rockymountainmarketingpodcastyoutube.com/@MarketingTrendsNow Katie’s Social Media Book: The Social Shift katiebrinkley.com/bookHer signature framework, including the Four-Post Strategy discussed in this episode. Katie’s Podcast Masterclass katiebrinkley.live/jeffLearn to build a podcast with strategy, clarity, and a plan to grow your business. The Unsinkable Conor Brown vacationkingdoms.coma...

    52 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Social Media News Live keeps you up-to-date on what's happening in the world of social media! We discuss the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers. We broadcast live so YOU can ask the questions that matter most to you and your business.