Modern Marketing Made Simple with Lori Ervin

Lori Ervin
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Modern Marketing is a podcast for women building businesses in a way that fits into real life. Hosted by @theloriervin, this show brings you behind the scenes of real businesses - from small business owners and product-based brands to social sellers and women building personal brands online. Each episode is designed to give you both inspiration and practical strategy. You’ll hear honest conversations about what it actually looks like to grow a business, including the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. New episodes drop weekly.

  1. Episode 1

    How to Grow a Product-Based Business Through Storytelling and Connection | with A1 Rituals

    In this episode, I'm sitting down with Fharas, the founder of A1 Rituals, to talk about what it really looks like to grow a product-based business through brand storytelling, word-of-mouth marketing, and creating a memorable customer experience.   Fharas shares how taking a candle-making course during a difficult pregnancy led her to start a business she never originally planned to build. What began as a creative outlet grew into a brand built on thoughtful gifting, personal connections, and products that tell a story. From giving away her first 84 candles to receiving a $700 order, her journey is a great example of how relationships can help grow a small business.   We talk about the power of strategic gifting, how packaging and presentation influence the customer experience, and why in-person markets and genuine connections can be such effective small business marketing strategies.   If you're building a product-based business, trying to attract more customers, or looking for ways to make your brand stand out, this episode will show you how storytelling, relationship marketing, and thoughtful customer experiences can help you build a business people remember and recommend.   Key Takeaways: How strategic gifting can generate word-of-mouth marketing and introduce your products to new customers Why brand storytelling helps your business stand out and creates emotional connections How packaging and presentation can improve the customer experience The role of in-person markets and pop-up events in growing a product-based business Why building customer relationships can be more valuable than focusing on immediate sales How to start a small business without having a perfect plan    Connect with Fharas: Instagram: www.instagram.com/a1ritualsbyfharas Website: www.a1rituals.com  YouTube: A1 Rituals Candles   If this episode helped you understand how storytelling, thoughtful gifting, and memorable customer experiences can grow your business, listen to my conversation with Shannon, founder of Smithery Style, next.   Shannon shares how she's built a loyal customer community through personalized experiences, genuine relationships, and marketing strategies that encourage repeat purchases.   How to Build Customer Loyalty and Increase Repeat Sales | with Smithery Style It's another great example of how focusing on the customer experience can help you build lasting relationships, encourage repeat business, and grow without constantly chasing new customers. _______________________________________________________ ✨ WANT TO MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA SIMPLER? You don't need to spend hours creating content, chasing trends, or trying to figure out what to post next. Inside the Modern Marketing Hub, you'll find practical social media strategies, fresh content ideas, audience growth training, and resources to help you build your brand and grow your business. Think of it as having a social media manager in your pocket. 👉 Join the Modern Marketing Hub: JOIN NOW   🎙️ HAVE A BUSINESS STORY WORTH SHARING? The Modern Marketing Podcast features real conversations with women building businesses, sharing the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies that have helped them grow. If you're a small business owner, social seller, or personal brand with a story that could inspire and teach other entrepreneurs, I'd love to hear from you. 👉 Apply to be a podcast guest: APPLY NOW   LET'S CONNECT! I'm Lori Ervin, founder of Level Up Marketing Co., where I help women building online businesses simplify their social media, create content that connects, and turn their marketing into meaningful business growth.   Through done-for-you social media management, content creation, and the Modern Marketing Hub, I help make marketing feel a whole lot more manageable.   Follow along for practical social media tips, content ideas, marketing strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a business.   📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloriervin 🌐 Website: https://www.loriervin.com

  2. Episode 2

    Starting Small, Building Big with Jaime Hunter of the Common Moms

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jaime, the founder of Common Moms, to talk about what it really looks like to build a community from the ground up while navigating real life, motherhood, and the everyday demands that come with it.   Jaime shares how a simple idea to bring moms together turned into something more, and how that has grown into a community that hosts in-person events for moms and their young children to connect, build friendships, and feel supported.   We talk about getting started without a perfect plan, the power of creating what you wish existed, and how she built Common Moms through connection, consistency, and showing up in real life. We also dive into the realities of building something alongside motherhood and what it takes to keep going when things feel overwhelming.   If you’ve ever felt the need for more connection in your day to day life, or you’re thinking about starting something of your own, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and inspired to take that next step.   Key Takeaways: Why creating simple spaces for connection can have a powerful impact How starting before you feel ready can lead to meaningful growth The importance of building community in real life, not just online Why consistency and showing up matter more than having a perfect plan   Connect with Jaime:Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecommonmoms Website: https://www.thecommonmoms.com/

  3. Episode 3

    How to Build a Community on Instagram Using a Niche Marketing Strategy | with Rinkside Mom

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Natalie, the founder of Rinkside Mom, to talk about what it really looks like to build a brand rooted in community, connection, and real life.   Natalie shares how life at the rink inspired her to create something just for hockey moms, and how that idea quickly grew into a recognizable and fast-growing brand. What started as relatable content turned into a business built on shared experiences, viral moments, and a deep understanding of her audience.   We talk about the power of niching down, creating content that actually connects, and why building a community first will always outperform trying to sell.   If you’re building a brand, creating content, or trying to grow something online, this episode will show you what happens when you stop overthinking and start speaking directly to your people.   Key Takeaways: Why going “a mile deep” is more powerful than trying to reach everyone How relatable content creates connection and growth The difference between building a community vs. chasing sales Why imperfect content often performs better How to use collaborations and giveaways to grow organically The mindset shift that helps you trust your instincts in business   Follow along and support Rinkside Mom: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rinksidemomco Website: www.rinksidemomco.com   If this episode helped you understand how relatable content can grow your audience and build a community, listen to my conversation with Amanda Otterman next. Amanda shares the story behind her viral Instagram Reel and how one piece of content connected with people far beyond her existing audience.   From 7K to 70K Followers: The Power of One Viral Instagram Reel   It's another great example of how creating content that resonates can introduce your brand to new people and create opportunities for growth.   _________________________________ ✨ WANT TO MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA SIMPLER? You don't need to spend hours creating content, chasing trends, or trying to figure out what to post next. Inside the Modern Marketing Hub, you'll find practical social media strategies, fresh content ideas, audience growth training, and resources to help you build your brand and grow your business. Think of it as having a social media manager in your pocket. 👉 Join the Modern Marketing Hub: JOIN NOW 🎙️ HAVE A BUSINESS STORY WORTH SHARING? The Modern Marketing Podcast features real conversations with women building businesses, sharing the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies that have helped them grow. If you're a small business owner, social seller, or personal brand with a story that could inspire and teach other entrepreneurs, I'd love to hear from you. 👉 Apply to be a podcast guest: APPLY NOW LET'S CONNECT! I'm Lori Ervin, founder of Level Up Marketing Co., where I help women building online businesses simplify their social media, create content that connects, and turn their marketing into meaningful business growth. Through done-for-you social media management, content creation, and the Modern Marketing Hub, I help make marketing feel a whole lot more manageable. Follow along for practical social media tips, content ideas, marketing strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a business. 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloriervin 🌐 Website: https://www.loriervin.com    _________________________________ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Meet Natalie and the story behind Rinkside Mom 01:56 – Building a community around life at the hockey rink 04:11 – How relatable Instagram content helped grow the brand 06:07 – Turning an online community into an apparel business 08:02 – Lessons from launching and selling physical products 09:31 – Why Natalie chose a specific niche marketing strategy 11:13 – How to create relatable, shareable Instagram content 12:46 – Why content doesn't need to be perfect to connect 13:54 – Growing organically through collaborations and giveaways 16:29 – Finding the right brand partners and reaching new audiences 18:40 – Natalie's advice for entrepreneurs starting a business 19:57 – Trusting your instincts and experimenting with content 21:41 – Growing Rinkside Mom through tournaments and retail 23:43 – Where to connect with Natalie

  4. Episode 4

    From Corporate to Creative: Turning a Career Pivot into a Thriving Business

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Vinnie Rose, the founder of Vinnie Rose Designs, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business from scratch after leaving a 25-year corporate career.   Vinnie shares how being packaged out of her role at Canadian Tire led her to explore something new, and how that eventually turned into a growing business centred around thoughtful, personalized gifting.   We talk about how her business has evolved over time, from starting with balloons to focusing on curated gift baskets, succulent planters, and seasonal designs. We also dive into how she has built her business through word of mouth, relationships, and a strong focus on customer experience.   If you’ve ever found yourself starting over or wondering how to turn something you enjoy into a business, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, grounded, and inspired to keep going.   Key Takeaways: → Why starting before you feel ready matters→ How word of mouth can still be your most powerful marketing tool→ The role of community and collaboration in business growth→ How to stand out through personalization and customer experience→ Why consistency and belief in yourself matter more than perfection   Connect with Vinnie: Follow along and support Vinnie Rose Designs:Instagram - www.instagram.com/vinnierosedesigns   If you are someone who loves thoughtful gifting, supporting small businesses, or creating meaningful moments for the people in your life, you are going to feel right at home in her world.

  5. Episode 5

    Faith, Gratitude, and Starting Before You Feel Ready with Celina Dixon

    Modern Marketing Made Simple with Lori Ervin

  6. Episode 6

    She didn’t just build a brand, she is building a movement with Sandra Lisi

    Some women build businesses …and some women build rooms that change other women’s businesses. And today we’re talking to someone who is doing both.   In this episode, I’m sitting down with Sandra Lisi, the founder behind The Azzura Collection and the community ‘She Means Business’, to talk about what it really looks like to build multiple layers of a business… without waiting for perfect.   Sandra brings over 30 years of corporate leadership experience into everything she’s building today, from a European-inspired jewelry brand to a growing community of women entrepreneurs across Canada.   What started as a love for Italy and accessories turned into The Azzura Collection - a curated, affordable jewelry brand designed to make women feel like they’re living their everyday lives with a touch of European luxury.   But this conversation goes far beyond product.   We talk about how Sandra built a thriving women’s networking community from scratch, why she believes you don’t have to be “just one thing,” and how she’s stepping into a new chapter of her life by going all-in on what she’s truly meant to build.   If you’ve ever felt pulled in multiple directions, unsure where to start, or like you’re waiting for the “right time”… this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to move forward.   Key Takeaways: → You don’t have to be just one thing - you can build multiple aligned paths→ Stop waiting for perfect - momentum comes from action→ Community is one of the most powerful growth strategies in business→ If you have multiple ideas, pick your top 3 and prioritize them→ Identify the problem your business solves before anything else→ Outsourcing can unlock your next level of growth→ There is a difference between a hobby and a business - and clarity matters→ The most successful women are willing to do things imperfectly   Connect with Sandra: Follow along and support Azzura Collection and She Means Business: The Azzura Collection:  www.instagram.com/the.azzura.collection www.theazzuracollection.ca    Sandra in the City: www.instagram.com/sandrainthesity_thecoach    Sandra is building more than a brand - she’s creating spaces where women can connect, collaborate, and grow together. Follow along to be a part of it.

  7. Episode 7

    How to Grow a Small Business: Branding, Marketing & Business Pivots | with The Detour Co.

    Growing a small business isn't just about finding more customers. Sometimes it's about knowing when to change direction, refine your brand messaging, and let go of the things that are no longer helping your business grow.   In this episode, I'm sitting down with Rebecca Ogilvie, founder of The Detour Co., to talk about practical small business growth strategies, from building brand awareness and attracting new customers to making strategic business pivots.   Rebecca shares how she went from hosting women's wellness retreats to creating a Canadian skincare brand that started at farmers markets. Through customer conversations, product testing, networking, and collaborations, she learned how to grow a small business beyond social media while building a brand that reflected both her customers' needs and her own values.   We talk about how to identify your target audience, why your brand positioning strategy may need to change as your business grows, and how to make decisions about which products, marketing activities, and opportunities deserve your time. Rebecca also shares why she chose to stop attending farmers markets, even though they had been instrumental in building her business, and how that decision allowed her to focus on the next stage of growth.   If you're a small business owner wondering how to attract more customers, when to pivot your business, or how to rebrand your business without losing everything you've already built, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on business growth and brand evolution.   After listening to this episode, you'll understand how to evaluate what's working in your business, refine your brand positioning, and use customer feedback, strategic marketing, and intentional business decisions to support your next stage of growth.   Key Takeaways How to grow a small business by combining online marketing with real-world customer connections Why customer conversations and feedback can help you identify your target audience and improve your products How to build brand awareness through networking, events, and strategic collaborations When to pivot your business and how to recognize opportunities for growth How to refine your brand messaging as your products, audience, and business goals evolve Why a strong brand positioning strategy helps you focus your marketing on the right customers How to use sales data to decide which products to keep, discontinue, or develop further Why growing a business beyond social media can create valuable opportunities for customer acquisition How to make business decisions that support both profitability and your long-term vision   Connect with Rebecca and The Detour Co. Rebecca shares more about natural skincare, intentional self-care, and her entrepreneurial journey through The Detour Co. Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedetourco.muskoka   Website: www.thedetourco.com   Listen to This Episode Next: If this episode helped you understand how to build brand awareness, attract new customers, and grow your business through real connections, listen to my conversation with Shannon from Smithery Style next.   Shannon shares how creating meaningful customer relationships, delivering a memorable shopping experience, and focusing on customer loyalty can help small businesses increase repeat sales and build a stronger brand.   How to Build Customer Loyalty and Increase Repeat Sales | with Smithery Style   It's a great follow-up because attracting new customers is only one part of small business growth. Learning how to turn those customers into loyal, repeat buyers is just as important.     _______________________________________________ ✨ WANT TO MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA SIMPLER? You don't need to spend hours creating content, chasing trends, or trying to figure out what to post next. Inside the Modern Marketing Hub, you'll find practical social media strategies, fresh content ideas, audience growth training, and resources to help you build your brand and grow your business. Think of it as having a social media manager in your pocket. 👉 Join the Modern Marketing Hub: JOIN NOW   🎙️ HAVE A BUSINESS STORY WORTH SHARING? The Modern Marketing Podcast features real conversations with women building businesses, sharing the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies that have helped them grow. If you're a small business owner, social seller, or personal brand with a story that could inspire and teach other entrepreneurs, I'd love to hear from you. 👉 Apply to be a podcast guest: APPLY NOW   LET'S CONNECT! I'm Lori Ervin, founder of Level Up Marketing Co., where I help women building online businesses simplify their social media, create content that connects, and turn their marketing into meaningful business growth. Through done-for-you social media management, content creation, and the Modern Marketing Hub, I help make marketing feel a whole lot more manageable. Follow along for practical social media tips, content ideas, marketing strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a business. 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloriervin 🌐 Website: https://www.loriervin.com    Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Rebecca Ogilvie and The Detour Co. 01:00 – From wellness retreats to building a skincare business 02:17 – The story behind The Detour Co. and embracing business pivots 03:47 – Finding a gap in the market and creating a unique product 04:52 – How customer feedback shaped Rebecca's product development 06:49 – Testing a business idea and growing through farmers markets 07:33 – Scaling a handmade business and deciding what to outsource 09:25 – When to pivot your business and refine your brand messaging 10:55 – Why Rebecca stopped attending farmers markets 12:14 – How brand positioning evolved with her target audience 13:19 – Defining small business success and choosing intentional growth 15:07 – The personal story and values behind the skincare brand 16:22 – Using sales data to make strategic product decisions 17:11 – Deciding which products to discontinue and which to develop 19:00 – Small business marketing strategies for new entrepreneurs 19:35 – How to build brand awareness beyond social media 20:49 – Building customer trust through personal connections 21:04 – Using collaborations to reach new audiences 22:12 – How to identify your target audience and speak to their needs 22:52 – Where to connect with Rebecca and The Detour Co. 23:25 – Rebecca's free face massage guide and customer resources 24:20 – How past business experiences shape future growth

  8. Episode 8

    How to Build Customer Loyalty and Increase Repeat Sales | with Smithery Style

    Are you constantly trying to attract new customers, but struggling to turn the ones you already have into loyal, repeat buyers?   In this episode, I'm sitting down with Shannon, the owner of Smithery Style, to talk about how to build customer loyalty, improve customer retention, and increase repeat sales using creative small business marketing strategies.   After a career in PR and marketing, Shannon purchased Smithery Style, an established online fashion business, and began introducing new ways to connect with customers. From creating an exclusive Inner Circle using Instagram Close Friends to hosting her own shopping events and offering special promotions to email subscribers, she's building a business where customers feel like part of the community.   We talk about how to build a customer community that goes beyond social media followers, why email marketing for small businesses is so important, and how customer feedback strategies can help you make better decisions about what to sell and how to market it.   If you're a small business owner looking for ways to encourage repeat purchases, strengthen customer relationships, or grow your business without constantly chasing new customers, this episode will give you practical ideas you can start applying right away.   Key Takeaways: How to build customer loyalty and turn one-time buyers into repeat customers Why community building for business is an important part of customer retention How to use Instagram Close Friends to create a VIP customer community and gather valuable feedback Why email marketing for small businesses is essential for nurturing relationships and encouraging repeat sales How customer loyalty programs and exclusive, limited-time offers give customers a reason to buy How event marketing for small businesses can create memorable experiences and introduce your brand to new customers Why listening to your customers can help you improve your products, marketing, and overall customer experience How to adapt your small business marketing strategies when customer spending habits change   Follow along and support Smithery Style: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smitherystyle/ Website: https://www.smitherystyle.com/   Listen to this episode next: If this episode helped you understand how to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat sales, listen to my conversation with Fharas, the founder of A1 Rituals, next.   Fharas shares her experience building a product-based business and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's another valuable conversation about growing a brand, connecting with customers, and the business strategies behind bringing products to market.   Together, these episodes offer different perspectives on what it takes to build a product-based business that customers connect with and want to support.   _________________________________ ✨ WANT TO MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA SIMPLER? You don't need to spend hours creating content, chasing trends, or trying to figure out what to post next.   Inside the Modern Marketing Hub, you'll find practical social media strategies, fresh content ideas, audience growth training, and resources to help you build your brand and grow your business.   Think of it as having a social media manager in your pocket.   👉 Join the Modern Marketing Hub: JOIN NOW   🎙️ HAVE A BUSINESS STORY WORTH SHARING? The Modern Marketing Podcast features real conversations with women building businesses, sharing the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies that have helped them grow.   If you're a small business owner, social seller, or personal brand with a story that could inspire and teach other entrepreneurs, I'd love to hear from you.   👉 Apply to be a podcast guest: APPLY NOW   LET'S CONNECT! I'm Lori Ervin, founder of Level Up Marketing Co., where I help women building online businesses simplify their social media, create content that connects, and turn their marketing into meaningful business growth.   Through done-for-you social media management, content creation, and the Modern Marketing Hub, I help make marketing feel a whole lot more manageable.   Follow along for practical social media tips, content ideas, marketing strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a business.   📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloriervin 🌐 Website: https://www.loriervin.com    Episode Chapters 00:00 – Meet Shannon and the story behind Smithery Style01:53 – From corporate burnout to buying an existing business02:49 – How Smithery Style helps women shop for their body shape05:16 – Customer loyalty strategies that build community and connection05:55 – Creating an exclusive Inner Circle for loyal customers06:28 – Using Instagram Close Friends for customer feedback and engagement07:48 – Rewarding loyal customers with exclusive offers08:24 – Building different levels of customer community09:02 – Why email marketing is essential for customer retention10:28 – How customer relationships build trust and loyalty12:06 – Event marketing strategies for small businesses13:46 – Creating the Smithery Vault shopping experience15:35 – Growing your audience through collaborations and events18:14 – Why exclusive events create excitement and demand19:06 – Using limited-time offers to increase repeat sales20:12 – How email subscriber promotions improve engagement and cash flow21:28 – Creating a consistent sales and product launch strategy24:58 – Adapting your marketing to changing customer spending habits26:26 – Working with business partners during economic uncertainty30:15 – Why innovation matters when business gets challenging31:49 – Digital advertising and Pinterest marketing for retail businesses32:33 – Turning an in-person warehouse sale into a virtual shopping experience35:19 – Using empathy to improve the customer experience36:35 – Simplifying shopping decisions with curated product collections39:35 – Where to find Shannon and Smithery Style

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Modern Marketing is a podcast for women building businesses in a way that fits into real life. Hosted by @theloriervin, this show brings you behind the scenes of real businesses - from small business owners and product-based brands to social sellers and women building personal brands online. Each episode is designed to give you both inspiration and practical strategy. You’ll hear honest conversations about what it actually looks like to grow a business, including the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. New episodes drop weekly.

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