Marketing in Real Time Podcast: Lifecycle, Email, Ecommerce and Content Marketing

Daryl Perry

Marketing changes fast. Marketing in Real Time helps you keep up. Join Daryl Perry of Your Level Fitness as he shares practical insights from building a real business through lifecycle marketing, email, ecommerce, content marketing, AI, SEO, and customer retention. Short, actionable episodes focused on what's working today and where marketing is headed next.

Episodes

  1. Jul 28

    How I Use Instagram in 2026 to Build a Brand Instead of Chasing Sales

    Instagram has changed dramatically over the past several years, and many of the strategies that worked in the past simply don't generate the same results today. In this episode, I share how I've adapted my own approach by focusing less on trying to force engagement and more on consistently building brand awareness through everyday content. I discuss why I no longer rely heavily on Stories for business growth, how I use short-form video as a series of subtle brand commercials, and why product tagging continues to be part of my strategy even when it isn't generating direct sales. Rather than trying to convince someone to buy something immediately, my goal is to create repeated exposure that helps people become familiar with my brand over time. I also talk about how I think about advertising today, why I prefer to keep users inside the platform whenever possible, and why constant testing has become one of the most valuable marketing skills you can develop. In this episode, I discuss: How Instagram has changed and why older strategies aren't as effective today. Why I focus on branding instead of expecting every post to generate sales. How I use short-form videos and product tagging to create subtle, repeatable brand exposure. My current philosophy on Instagram advertising and keeping conversions inside the platform. Why testing, adapting, and observing user behavior matter more than following outdated social media advice. The biggest lesson I've learned is that social media isn't static. Every platform continues to evolve, and so do the people using it. Instead of trying to recreate what worked years ago, pay attention to how your audience uses these platforms today, keep experimenting, and build a strategy that feels sustainable for both you and your brand. Connect With Me on LinkedIn If we're not already connected, I'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn. Connect with me and send me a message to let me know you found me through the podcast. I'd love to hear what you're seeing in marketing, what's working for your business, and continue the conversation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingdaryl/

  2. Jul 28

    The Social Media Strategy Shift Most Marketers Are Missing

    Social media strategy has become less about following best practices and more about building a repeatable testing process. What worked five or even two years ago may not work today, which is why I believe marketers need to stay curious, keep experimenting, and let data guide their decisions instead of relying on outdated playbooks. I also walk through my current TikTok testing workflow, how I reuse content across multiple accounts, why I pay close attention to likes relative to views, and why a piece of content that underperforms today might become one of your best-performing posts next week with a small adjustment. If you're creating content consistently, this episode is a reminder that social media success isn't about getting every post right the first time. It's about learning, adapting, and continuing to test. In this episode, I discuss: Why social media strategies need to evolve as platforms change. How I structure my profile links and calls to action across multiple accounts. My process for repurposing and retesting short-form videos on TikTok. The metrics I pay the most attention to when evaluating content performance. Why curiosity and consistency matter more than trying to beat the algorithm. Social media is constantly changing, and the marketers who succeed are the ones willing to experiment, observe patterns, and make thoughtful adjustments over time. Rather than assuming a post failed, treat every piece of content as another data point that helps you better understand your audience and the platforms you're using. Connect with me on LinkedIn If we're not already connected, I'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn. Send me a connection request and a message to let me know you found me through the podcast. I'd love to hear what you're testing, what's working for you, and continue the conversation around marketing, lifecycle strategy, and content creation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingdaryl/

  3. Jul 26

    The LinkedIn Branding Change That Makes it Easier to Find You

    Sometimes the smallest branding decisions can have the biggest long term impact. In this episode of Marketing in Real Time, I share two updates that reflect how I'm approaching my own marketing career while documenting the process as it happens. First, I explain why I changed my custom LinkedIn URL to MarketingDaryl and how thinking beyond your name can make it easier for people to find, remember, and refer you. If you're building a personal brand, consulting business, or simply want to become more discoverable in your industry, this is a simple adjustment worth considering. I also introduce the new direction for this podcast. What was previously Marketing in Action is now Marketing in Real Time, a show focused on sharing what I'm actively working on, testing, and learning as trends, tools, and strategies continue to evolve. Rather than presenting polished case studies months later, these episodes are conversations about marketing while it's actually happening. If you're a marketer, business owner, creator, or someone who enjoys seeing the thinking behind day to day marketing decisions, this podcast is designed for you. In this episode • Why I changed my LinkedIn custom URL to MarketingDaryl • The branding advantages of owning a memorable professional identity • Why I secured MarketingDaryl.com • The reason behind renaming the podcast to Marketing in Real Time • What you can expect from future episodes and why they'll be short, practical, and timely I'd love to hear how you're approaching your own personal brand and whether you've made similar changes to your online presence. Connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message. I'd genuinely enjoy hearing what you're working on and continuing the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingdaryl/

  4. Jul 24

    The Email Marketing Mistake That's Hurting Your Engagement

    In today's episode, I'm sharing one of the simplest changes you can make to improve your email marketing, segmentation. Too many businesses send every campaign to every subscriber. Instead, I believe your email list should reflect your audience's behavior. The people who regularly engage with your emails should have a different experience than those who haven't opened one in weeks. In this episode, I break down the segmentation strategy I use, why I don't rely on lead magnets to build my email list, and how I approach re-engagement campaigns without immediately offering discounts. In this episode, I discuss: • Why the ongoing value of your emails should be the reason people subscribe • How behavior-based segmentation can improve engagement • Why I separate active subscribers from inactive subscribers • My approach to re-engagement emails that focuses on conversation instead of promotions • Why replying directly to subscribers creates stronger relationships • How sending promotions only to your most engaged audience can improve results If you're responsible for email marketing, whether you're a small business owner, marketer, or part of a larger organization, this episode will give you a practical framework you can start applying immediately. I'd love to hear how you're approaching email marketing. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and continue the conversation. Connect with Daryl Perry on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daryltperry Thanks for listening, and I'll talk to you again real soon.

  5. Jul 24

    Podcasting for Small Business: Why It's Still an Underrated Marketing Tool

    Welcome to another episode of Marketing in Action with Daryl Perry. In today's episode, I'm sharing why I still believe podcasting is one of the most underrated marketing tools available for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers. After producing thousands of podcast episodes across multiple shows, I've learned that successful podcasting has very little to do with having the perfect microphone, camera, or studio. Instead, it's about consistently sharing your thoughts, documenting your experiences, and creating meaningful conversations with the people you want to serve. In this episode, I talk about: • Why podcasting is still a powerful way to build trust with your audience • Why you don't need expensive equipment to get started • How I started podcasting with nothing more than my phone and a garage • The simple recording setup I still use today • The automation I use to streamline guest interviews and scheduling • Why it's better to test podcasting before investing heavily in gear Whether you're a business owner looking to strengthen your brand or a marketer searching for another way to connect with customers, podcasting remains an incredible opportunity that's still underutilized by many businesses. I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and continue the conversation. Connect with Daryl Perry on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daryltperry Thanks for listening, and I'll talk to you again real soon.

  6. May 19

    How We Use AI Without Losing Authenticity

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way creators write, design, publish, and connect with audiences. But where should we draw the line? In this conversation, Zachary Fenell and Daryl Perry take a balanced look at AI from the perspective of two creators who spend their time building content, growing communities, and developing meaningful relationships with their audiences. Rather than debating whether AI is good or bad, they explore how it can be used responsibly while preserving creativity, authenticity, and critical thinking. Topics include: • The difference between AI as a productivity tool and generative AI. • Copyright concerns and the ethics of AI generated content. • Why human creativity and lived experience still matter. • How AI can support brainstorming, SEO, and workflow without replacing original thought. • The growing problem of content overload and AI generated "slop." • Why quality relationships matter more than chasing viral views. • Building an audience beyond social media through websites, podcasts, and email. • The importance of authenticity in a world where anyone can generate content. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, writer, marketer, or simply curious about where AI is taking the internet, this conversation offers a thoughtful discussion about using technology intentionally instead of allowing it to replace the human element that makes great content worth consuming. Zach's Links: Website: https://www.zacharyfenell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfenell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyfenell/ Daryl's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryltperry/

  7. 04/27/2025

    Data, Behavior, and Better Onboarding with Kate Shoaf

    Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-shoaf-61403025 In this episode of The Marketing in Action Podcast, I’m joined by Kate Shoaf, Director of Lifecycle Marketing at Teamwork. Kate walks us through her path from PR to content and community, to growth, product, and now lifecycle marketing. Whether you’re new to lifecycle marketing or looking to refine your strategy, this conversation brings clarity to how lifecycle marketing truly works and why it matters. We talk about how her early startup experience taught her to be scrappy, cross-functional, and strategic across content, customer support, and community building. That foundation gave her a unique perspective on how lifecycle marketing isn't just about sales or retention. It’s about knowing who you're talking to, where they are in the journey, and how to provide the most relevant value at each step. Kate shares how lifecycle strategies have evolved over the last five to ten years, especially with the rise of behavior-based segmentation and dynamic content. She breaks down how Teamwork transitioned from time-based emails to data-triggered touch points that truly reflect where the customer is and what they need next. And yes, testing is a constant. From subject lines to entire onboarding flows, Kate gives examples of how they run iterative and A/B tests to improve product adoption and engagement. We also dig into the importance of being concise. In an age of AI-generated walls of text, it’s more important than ever to deliver clear value, quickly. Kate offers a refreshingly practical view on how to write effective messaging that fits mobile screens and reduces overwhelm. Less fluff. More clarity. Whether you're working in SaaS, B2B, B2C, or a small business just trying to better connect with your customers, there’s something in this episode for you. Kate’s insights are actionable, rooted in real-world experience, and easy to apply to your own marketing systems. This episode was a full-circle moment for me too. I had the chance to publicly thank Kate for the major influence she’s had on my approach to structure, systems, and strategy in marketing. If you’re not already connected with her, I highly recommend it.

  8. 04/06/2025

    Personal Branding on Your Terms: Kelsey Carter

    Show Links Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseycarter Follow Kelsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningkelsey/ Episode Description In this episode of The Marketing in Action Podcast, I sit down with Kelsey Carter for a wide-ranging conversation that started with personal branding and habit building and evolved into something much deeper. Kelsey shares how she has used the principles of Atomic Habits to not only stay consistent in her powerlifting routine, but also in how she approaches her career, parenting, and personal growth. Her experience with ADHD has helped her understand the power of routines, and she walks us through how small, intentional actions—stacked on top of existing habits—have made a big impact on her life. We also explore how personal branding is not just something you do for social media. It’s a reflection of who you are across all areas of life. Kelsey talks about how being open and honest on LinkedIn, including sharing her life as a single mom and her experiences with ADHD, has helped her build a brand that feels both professional and real. She reminds us that your personal brand exists whether or not you intentionally shape it, so you might as well be the one directing it. This episode also dives into tough but important topics, like how to show empathy online, the pressure to take public stances on divisive issues, and how to build deeper human connection in a digital world. We talk about why many people feel like imposters when they try something new and how learning to like yourself at every stage of your journey is a game-changer. From corporate learning to parenting to storytelling through content, Kelsey’s insights are grounded, actionable, and incredibly relatable. Whether you’re navigating a professional pivot, working on your personal development, or just looking for a fresh perspective on how to show up online and in life, this conversation has something for you. Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it. For comments, questions, topic ideas, possible collaborations please email daryl@darylperry.com

  9. 03/03/2025

    AI’s Role in Boosting Human Potential

    In this episode of The Marketing in Action Podcast, hosted by Daryl Perry, we're diving deep into the world of AI with special guest Dexter Morgan, founder of AI Sales Fusion Solutions. Dexter brings a wealth of experience from his early days working in SEO and website design to becoming a thought leader in AI-powered marketing solutions. We start with Dexter's origin story—from experimenting with SEO before the days of Google’s intuitive search to pioneering lead generation tactics on Facebook during its golden years. Dexter shares how AI has become a game-changer for small businesses, especially real estate agents, by streamlining tasks like content creation, CRM nurturing, and organizing open houses through his innovative Real Estate Pro platform. Daryl and Dexter explore how AI is not here to replace human effort but to enhance productivity, save time, and help entrepreneurs focus on revenue-generating activities. They also cover the importance of maintaining a human touch when using AI for content creation, ensuring that businesses continue to provide authentic and valuable information. The episode wraps with valuable insights on balancing productivity with personal time and how AI can empower professionals to work on their business, not just in it. Key Takeaways: How AI can streamline marketing for real estate professionals. The importance of human involvement in AI-generated content. Why time, not money, is the most valuable commodity for entrepreneurs. How AI can help you focus on revenue-generating tasks. The future of AI and job creation, not just job replacement. Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it. For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com.

About

Marketing changes fast. Marketing in Real Time helps you keep up. Join Daryl Perry of Your Level Fitness as he shares practical insights from building a real business through lifecycle marketing, email, ecommerce, content marketing, AI, SEO, and customer retention. Short, actionable episodes focused on what's working today and where marketing is headed next.