We Know Marketing, We Promise

Kelsie Downs + Naoma Serna-Zahn
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

We Know Marketing, We Promise is where ambitious women go when they’re tired of guessing their way through marketing and want real clarity on how to scale. Naoma and Kelsie unpack the mindsets, messaging, and marketing foundations that actually move your business forward — especially when you’re juggling work, life, motherhood, and 47 mental tabs at once. It’s strategy with a little heat and a lot of honesty.

  1. Apr 29

    060. Is Word of Mouth Dead? Pt. 2

    Referral marketing is not luck. It is a system. In this episode, we break down how to generate more referrals intentionally instead of hoping people remember your name when someone needs help.Most businesses say they want more word-of-mouth growth, but they never build a referral strategy. They rely on doing good work and waiting. The reality is referrals come from client experience, staying top of mind, asking clearly, and making it easy for people to recommend you.In this episode, we cover:Why most businesses never build a real referral strategyThe difference between earning referrals and hoping for themHow client experience drives word-of-mouth growthWhat “hospitality hugs” are and why they matterWhy communication can matter more than the deliverableHow weekly updates build trust and referralsThe referral window and how to stay top of mindWhy content marketing helps people refer you fasterHow social media creates referrals from people you’ve never metThe right way to ask for referrals without feeling awkwardWhy specificity makes referrals easier to giveHow to set monthly referral goals that grow your pipelineIf you want more leads without relying on ads, cold outreach, or random luck, this episode will help you create a smarter referral engine that compounds over time.Subscribe for weekly conversations on marketing, branding, client experience, and growing a business that actually works.

    20 min

  2. Apr 22

    059. Is Word Of Mouth Dead? Pt. 1

    If your leads have slowed down and referrals have disappeared, word of mouth is probably not dead. Your strategy might be. In this episode, we unpack why so many businesses rely on referrals until they suddenly stop, and what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Most business owners assume good work and great customer service should automatically create consistent referrals. But referrals are rarely random. They are built through intentional client experiences, relational equity, and proactive systems that most businesses never put in place. In this episode, we cover: Why referrals dry up even when you do great workThe myth that word of mouth marketing is deadHow to know where your referrals actually come fromWhy most businesses never ask clients who referred themThe difference between hoping for referrals and earning themHow unreasonable hospitality creates memorable client experiencesWhy small details make people talk about your brandThe power of onboarding and offboarding momentsHow proactive businesses create referral pipelinesWhy trust and relationships drive high-quality referralsThe role of sales strategy in converting referrals into revenueWhy marketing cannot fix a broken referral systemIf your business has depended on referrals and now feels inconsistent, this episode will help you understand why that happened and what to rethink before you panic and blame the market. Subscribe for weekly conversations on business growth, branding, client experience, referrals, and building companies that last.

    19 min

  3. Apr 15

    058. Podcast Recap - We Want to Hear From You!

    One year in, and we’re finally taking a step back to reflect. In this episode, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and what we’re changing moving into year two of the podcast. This is a real-time brainstorm conversation about growth, failure, analytics, and the honest reality of building something while running businesses, leading teams, and navigating life. We also open the door for feedback as we start thinking about what it looks like to build not just a podcast, but a community. In this episode, we cover: The biggest lessons from year one of the podcastWhat the analytics revealed about what’s actually workingWhy feedback and real-life conversations matter more than vanity metricsThe impact of sharing real experiences vs surface-level contentHow consistency and systems made the podcast sustainableWhy storytelling and vulnerability resonate more than strategy aloneTopics we’ve only scratched the surface on (and want to go deeper into)The idea of “compounding content” and building strategically over timeBehind-the-scenes challenges of balancing business, life, and contentWhy we’re shifting toward more intentional growth in year twoPotential ways to build community, resources, and deeper valueThe importance of actually asking your audience what they needIf you’ve been listening, sharing, or applying what we’ve talked about this past year, this episode is a thank you and an invitation to help shape what comes next. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another business owner or entrepreneur. And if you have feedback, ideas, or want to be part of what we’re building next, reach out. We want to hear from you.

    22 min

  4. Apr 8

    057. The Distribution Gap No One Talks About

    You don’t have a content problem. You have a distribution problem. In this episode, we break down why so many businesses are creating good content that goes nowhere and what’s actually missing between posting and results. From blaming the algorithm to chasing trends, most people are asking the wrong question. It’s not “why isn’t my content performing?” It’s “is my content aligned with a goal, a strategy, and the right audience?” This conversation dives into the real reason your content isn’t converting and how to fix it. In this episode, we cover: What the “distribution gap” actually isWhy good content is subjective and often misunderstoodThe difference between viral content and revenue-generating contentWhy most businesses are creating content without a real goalHow unclear messaging confuses both your audience and the algorithmWhy niching down improves reach and conversionThe importance of non-follower reach (not just followers)Why saves and shares matter more than likesHow different formats (video, carousel, written) impact performanceWhy consistency beats chasing trends every timeThe role of call to action in converting content into businessHow to choose the right platforms instead of trying to be everywhereIf you feel like you’re posting consistently but not seeing growth, engagement, or revenue, this episode will help you understand what’s actually missing and how to close the gap between content and results. Subscribe for weekly conversations on marketing, content strategy, brand building, and growing a business that actually works.

    29 min

  5. Apr 1

    056. Your Messaging Isn’t the Problem. You Are.

    If your content isn’t landing, your messaging probably isn’t the real problem. In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable truth that most messaging issues are actually internal—rooted in confidence, clarity, and identity as a business owner.From imposter syndrome and fear of visibility to inconsistent conviction and unclear positioning, this conversation dives into why so many people struggle to show up online and what actually needs to shift before your content starts working.In this episode, we cover:Why messaging problems are usually internal, not tacticalHow imposter syndrome shows up in your content and behaviorThe fear of visibility and getting through the “valley of cringe”Why confidence comes from solving real problems for real peopleThe shift from “selling” to genuinely helping your audienceHow clarity around your niche builds confidence in contentWhy conviction changes how you show up on sales calls and onlineThe balance between personal content and authority buildingWhy vague content comes from unclear identityHow strong opinions are formed through experience, not egoThe importance of defining your goals before posting contentWhy CEOs and founders need to show up to build trustIf you feel stuck, hesitant to post, or unsure how to communicate what you do, this episode will help you understand that the breakthrough is not in better captions, but in becoming more clear, confident, and convicted in who you are and what you offer.Subscribe for weekly conversations on brand strategy, messaging, marketing, and building businesses that actually work.

    35 min

  6. Mar 25

    055. How to be productive not just a task rabbit

    Being busy is not the same as being productive. In this episode, we break down the difference between doing a lot of work and actually moving your business forward—and why so many entrepreneurs confuse the two.This conversation dives into real, practical ways to increase productivity without falling into hustle culture, burnout, or constant overwhelm. From daily habits and boundaries to delegation and focus, it’s about building a rhythm that actually works for your life and your business.In this episode, we cover:The difference between busy work and productive workWhy you need to define what productivity means for youHow health, workouts, and mental capacity impact performanceCreating “office jail” and focused work blocks to get things doneUsing timers and removing distractions to stay on trackWhy boundaries with your phone and notifications matterThe power of writing things down and visualizing your workHow journaling and processing improves focusWhy delegation is one of the biggest productivity unlocksIdentifying what only you should be doing in your businessLetting go of tasks that feel productive but are not impactfulWhy uncomfortable tasks are often the most productive onesIf you feel like you’re working all day but not making real progress, this episode will help you rethink how you spend your time and give you practical ways to become more focused, intentional, and effective.Subscribe for weekly conversations on productivity, leadership, marketing, and building businesses that actually work.

    21 min

  7. Mar 18

    054.How to Wrangle Clients

    Most client problems are not actually client problems. They start with a lack of process, unclear communication, and trying too hard to be “easy to work with.” In this episode, we break down why structure, systems, and clear expectations create a better experience for both you and your clients. When businesses avoid creating processes because they want to stay flexible, it often leads to confusion, missed expectations, and clients feeling like they need to manage the relationship. The reality is that clients actually prefer structure, clarity, and consistent communication.In this episode, we cover:Why trying to be “easy to work with” often backfiresThe real root cause of most client relationship issuesWhy clients should never feel like they need to manage youThe importance of having a clear onboarding processClosing “open loops” in your client’s mindHow simple systems like weekly updates build trustWhy structure improves the client experienceThe difference between being a vendor and being a strategic partnerCommunicating strategy so clients understand the value of your workUsing feedback and exit interviews to improve your systemsIf you run a creative agency, marketing company, consulting business, or any service-based company, this episode will help you rethink how you manage clients, communicate value, and build processes that create stronger relationships.Subscribe for weekly conversations about marketing, systems, business growth, and building better service businesses.

    22 min

  8. Mar 11

    053. Do you need a business coach? PT II

    When should you hire a business coach? And how do you know if it is the right season to bring one in? In this episode, we dive into the real journey behind hiring consultants, business coaches, and surrounding yourself with the right entrepreneurial community. From early hesitation and fear of wasting money to eventually seeing the value of coaching, this conversation breaks down what actually helps entrepreneurs grow. We talk about the reality of building a business while navigating life transitions, why coaching does not always produce instant results, and how growth often happens slowly through execution, feedback, and uncomfortable conversations. You will also hear honest reflections on leadership challenges, building and managing a team, refining sales strategy, and learning through failure. The episode explores the difference between chasing revenue and building a business that aligns with your values, your time, and the type of clients you truly want to work with. If you are an entrepreneur wondering whether you should hire a coach, join a mastermind, or find a community of other business owners, this episode offers practical insight into how those relationships can accelerate growth and help you build a stronger business. Listen in for a candid conversation about coaching, leadership, sales, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to grow a business over time.

    31 min
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About

We Know Marketing, We Promise is where ambitious women go when they’re tired of guessing their way through marketing and want real clarity on how to scale. Naoma and Kelsie unpack the mindsets, messaging, and marketing foundations that actually move your business forward — especially when you’re juggling work, life, motherhood, and 47 mental tabs at once. It’s strategy with a little heat and a lot of honesty.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelsie Downs + Naoma Serna-Zahn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kelsie Downs + Naoma Serna-Zahn
  • Show Website
    We Know Marketing, We Promise