Market This: The Marketing Podcast for Small Business Owners

Lindsay Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
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Marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Hosted by Lindsay Smith , award-winning journalist turned copywriter and marketing strategist. Market This is the podcast for small business owners who want to stop chasing trends and finally create a marketing plan that works. Each week, Lindsay shares practical tips, honest conversations, and real stories that help you simplify your marketing, connect with your audience, and grow your business without burning out. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time for marketing,” or “I don’t even know where to start,” this show is for you. 👉 Subscribe now and learn how to market your business with less stress and more strategy. 🎙 New episodes every Tuesday! 

  1. 1D AGO

    S1 #13: The Unsexy Marketing Stuff That Actually Grows a Business With Kirsten Jordan

    In this episode of Market This, I’m joined by my friend Kirsten Jordan, a marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience helping business owners cut through the noise and focus on what actually works. We talk about why social media has become so overwhelming, why it’s only one small piece of the marketing puzzle, and what business owners should be focusing on instead, especially if they’re feeling burnt out or frustrated by trying all the things. This is an honest, no-fluff conversation about marketing foundations, messaging clarity, and building a strategy that fits your business (and your capacity). In this episode, we cover: Why marketing and social media are not the same thingThe pressure (and burnout) that comes with social media marketingWhy most marketing problems are really messaging and clarity problemsThe foundational work business owners love to skip (but shouldn’t)SEO, Google search, and how people actually find businessesWhy fast fixes and “overnight results” don’t existWhen paid ads make sense and when they really don’tThe role of trust, relationships, and offline marketingHow to think about marketing as a long-term system, not a trendIf you’ve been feeling like marketing is harder than it should be, this episode will help you zoom out, reset your expectations, and refocus on what truly moves the needle. Connect with Kirsten: Instagram: @kirstenjmarketingWebsite: kirstenjordan.meNewsletter: Field Trip MarketingGrab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    25 min

  2. JAN 14

    S1 #12: Building a Business With Values With Kristi Soomer

    In this episode of Market This, I’m joined by Kristi Soomer, founder and CEO of Encircled, a Canadian-made slow fashion brand that’s been growing thoughtfully since 2012. Kristi brings a refreshingly honest perspective to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and marketing, especially for small business owners who are tired of the hype and want something more grounded, realistic, and human. We talk about what sustainability actually means (beyond the buzzwords), how her corporate background shaped her business decisions, and the behind-the-scenes realities of running a product-based brand from inventory and cash flow to returns and pop-up shops. If you’re a product-based business owner (or thinking about becoming one), this conversation is full of smart insights and “oh wow, no one talks about that” moments.  In this episode, we cover: Kristi’s journey from management consulting to building a slow fashion brandWhat sustainability really looks like and how to spot greenwashingWhat it means to be a Certified B Corp (and why it’s such a rigorous process)Why transparency and brand values matter more than polished perfectionHow Kristi approaches marketing without trying to be everywhere at onceThe realities of entrepreneurship that don’t get glamorized on social mediaThis episode is for you if: You run (or want to run) a product-based businessYou care about values, impact, and building something long-termYou feel pressure to be everywhere online and want a more sustainable marketing approachYou appreciate honest conversations over hustle culture soundbitesConnect with Kristi: Encircled: https://www.encircled.caInstagram & Threads: @encircled_Kristi’s website & coaching: https://kristisoomer.comPodcast: Ecommerce Maven (archived episodes available)Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    42 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    S1 #11: 5 Marketing Lessons I’m Taking Into 2026

    In this episode, I’m reflecting on the five marketing lessons that shaped my business this year and the mindset shifts I’m carrying into 2026. Nothing trendy. Nothing complicated. Just the fundamentals that actually move the needle for small business owners. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, tempted to chase shiny tactics, or stuck winging it and hoping for the best, this one’s for you. In this episode, I talk about: Why consistency beats complexity (even when your brain wants to do everything at once)Why clear messaging matters more than how much content you createHow your offers and services are supposed to evolve as your business growsWhy community and relationships can move your business faster than any marketing tacticWhy you can’t wing it forever and how clarity creates confidenceI also share personal stories from my own business, including what I shelved this year, what I doubled down on, and why having a plan (even a simple one) changes everything. Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    15 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    S1 #10: How to Make Social Media Actually Feel Fun Again With Kat Tepylo Murphy

    If social media feels overwhelming, performative, noisy, or like one more thing you “should” be doing, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. I’m joined by Kat Tepylo Murphy, social media strategist, content coach, and community builder for makers, Main Streeters, and hometown service providers. Kat’s whole mission is to make social media doable, joyful, and effective especially for small business owners who do not want to live on Instagram. We talk about what actually matters on social right now, why trends aren’t everything, how to stop overthinking your content, and the three types of posts every small business owner needs. We also get into burnout, boundaries, creativity, and why all your best ideas show up when you’re walking the dog or taking a shower. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone in a river, delete Instagram, or move to the woods, Kat has some very refreshing strategies for you. In this episode, we cover • How to create content that feels enjoyable (instead of forced)  • The three core categories of social content every business needs  • Why one post is never enough (and why repetition is your friend)  • What metrics actually matter for small business owners • How to repurpose content without anyone noticing • When trends help and when to ignore them • How to set boundaries so social media doesn’t take over your life • The personal sharing line and how to choose what you keep private About Kat Kat is the strategist behind Social Kat Media, helping small-town and local business owners show up online without feeling glued to their phones. She’s here to make marketing feel human, fun, and totally doable. Find her on Instagram at @socialkatmedia and learn more about her membership, The Social With Kat Club. Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    38 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    S1 #9: Are You Making These Common Marketing Mistakes?

    Today I'm walking you through the marketing red flags I see every single day in the wild. Especially with small, service-based and local businesses. No shame or judgment! Just some loving truth-telling from your favourite copywriter and marketing strategist. In this episode, I cover: The #1 website mistake almost every small business makes (and how to fix it)Why repeating the same message in different ways confuses your audienceHow your website ends up looking like a brochure — and what to do insteadWhy your calls to action matter more than you thinkWhat clear CTA copy looks like (and why “clever” usually hurts conversions)How unclear messaging stops people from ever hiring youWhy showing up only when you're selling is sabotaging your marketingWhat “nurture content” actually means for small businesses✨ Website & Marketing Audits If your website feels confusing or messy, I can audit your copy, layout, and user experience so you know exactly what to fix. Learn more: Marketing Audit Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    20 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    S1 #8: What No One Tells You About Leaving the 9–5 With Shannon Russell

    If you've been thinking about leaving your 9–5 for something that actually feels good to run or you've already started a business but you're still carrying that corporate butt-in-the-seat mindset, this episode is for you.  This week, I’m joined by Shannon Russell, former MTV and E! television producer turned business coach, franchise owner, author of Start Your Second Act, and host of the Second Act Success podcast. Her story is so relatable for anyone who’s ever had that “Is this really it?” moment. We talk about: The catalyst that pushed Shannon out of her dream job and into entrepreneurshipWhy researching your business idea matters way more than you think How to figure out if your idea actually has a market (before you build it)The wildly overlooked transferable skills you’re probably forgetting you haveThe biggest mindset shift women need when going from employee → entrepreneurWhy so many women undercharge and how to break the habitRunning a business without showing your face  What Shannon learned from running (and selling) her brick-and-mortar franchiseHow fear shows up in entrepreneurship… and why doing the scary thing anyway changes everything PLUS: We share a behind-the-scenes peek at the Business Refresh Summit we’re hosting It's a free 4-day experience designed to help small business owners simplify their plans, feel confident going into Q1, and build momentum without the burnout. How to connect with Shannon: Shannon’s website: secondactsuccess.coShannon’s book: Start Your Second ActShannon's podcast: Second Act SuccessJoin the FREE Business Refresh Summit!  Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    39 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    S1 #7: When to Hire a Copywriter (And When Not To)

    Welcome back to Market This.  Today I'm breaking down when it’s time to hire a copywriter and just as importantly, when it’s not. As a copywriter and marketing strategist, I’m walking you through: The signs you’ve officially outgrown your DIY copyWhy good copywriting is more than “making words sound pretty”What actually happens behind the scenes when a copywriter takes overThe emotional side of messaging (yes, it matters!)Why you’re too close to your business to write everything yourselfWhen a copywriter can’t help you yetAnd the difference between refreshing copy vs writing from scratchIf you're feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure what to say anymore… this episode will help you figure out your next step. Not quite sure if you're ready to hire a copywriter? Start with my marketing audit! Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    21 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    S1 #6: Stop Ghosting Your Audience: Let’s Talk Nurture Content

    There’s always going to be a need for promo and sales content but if that’s all you’re doing, you’re probably missing the one thing that actually turns browsers into buyers: nurture content. In this episode, I'm talking about what nurture content really is (and what it’s not), how it builds trust between your visibility and your sales, and why ghosting your audience between promos or sales could be costing you clients. You’ll learn: What nurture content does that promo content can’tHow to write emails people actually reply toWhy storytelling is your most powerful nurture toolThe simple framework for writing nurture emails that connect and convertHow to weave subtle CTAs into your nurture emails without feeling pushyIf you’re ready to build real relationships, and turn your audience into long-term customers, this episode is for you.  Grab my FREE marketing checklist for small business owners. This episode was mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio.

    11 min
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About

Marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Hosted by Lindsay Smith , award-winning journalist turned copywriter and marketing strategist. Market This is the podcast for small business owners who want to stop chasing trends and finally create a marketing plan that works. Each week, Lindsay shares practical tips, honest conversations, and real stories that help you simplify your marketing, connect with your audience, and grow your business without burning out. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time for marketing,” or “I don’t even know where to start,” this show is for you. 👉 Subscribe now and learn how to market your business with less stress and more strategy. 🎙 New episodes every Tuesday! 

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