Adventures in Marketing artwork

Adventures in Marketing

72 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratings

Adventures in Marketing is your bite-sized guide through the world of marketing strategy, tools, and resources for small businesses.

Think of it as an adventure, not a chore! Marketing doesn't have to be scary, and we'll explore your options together!

We'll talk about bi picture marketing strategy, SEO (search engine optimization), email marketing, social media (including Instagram, TikTok, and more), lead generation, analytics, your website, and so much more! And all through the lens of making marketing understandable and accessible to small business owners like you!

Business social media marketing email marketing small business seo business coaching marketing strategy marketing coaching
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Episodes

Dealing with Unsupportive Friends and Family

October 16, 2023 01:42 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

As much as we'd love for our friends and family to be as excited about our business as we are, it doesn't always work that way. So what do you say to someone who can't resist telling you how bad your business idea is or sends you every scary small business article they come across? In this episode Gwen shares quick tips and ideas to help you manage unsupportive friends and family. Want more marketing support? Become an AIM member Connect with me on TikTok

Getting Your Groove Back

September 19, 2023 05:16 - 8 minutes - 7.33 MB

What do you do when you've lost your groove and how do you get it back? In this episode Gwen shares quick tips and ideas to help you rediscover your groove! Want more marketing support? Become an AIM member Connect with me on TikTok

Deep Dive into the Instagram Algorithm

August 20, 2023 18:46 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

If you're struggling with Instagram right now, you're not alone!  In this podcast episode, we'll talk about the different areas of Instagram (the main feed, Stories, Reels, and the explore page) and how Instagram ranks content for each area AND how you can work with the algorithm instead of fighting against it.  Want to go deeper? Here's the blog post from Instagram explaining how they rank things. Want to stay up to date on Instagram changes and updates? Follow the Instagram Creator's ac...

Funding Resources for Small Businesses

July 30, 2023 23:44 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

Lack of access to funding is a common challenge for small business owners.  I wanted to put something together that was current, accurate, and wasn't an affiliate-link mill or advertisement for one business.So I did!  Read the blog post (and find all the links you need) here.  If you'd like to explore crowdfunding, check out my crowdfunding episode here.  If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group starting at $10/mon...

Creating Content with Purpose

March 08, 2023 19:48 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MB

The content you create isn't just meant to fill a slot on your content calendar. It has a job. In this episode, Gwen explains how to create content with purpose, how to track what's working, and how to create content that resonates with your intended audience.  Get the Content with Purpose mini-course Become an AIM member Read the blog post version of this podcast episode Connect with me on TikTok

ChatGPT for Small Business Owners

February 20, 2023 02:58 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Learn about ChatGPT, and how it can be helpful in streamlining content creation. In this episode Gwen shares ways small businesses can use ChatGPT to their advantage: streamline content creation, improve consistency, and enhance the customer experience.  By using ChatGPT to generate ideas and copy for emails, social media, videos, blogs, and more, businesses can save time and focus on other parts of their business. The consistency of content creation can also improve, which can lead to a b...

5 Ways to Streamline Content Creation

February 13, 2023 03:24 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB

The term "content creation" is often overused in marketing but it remains an important aspect of running a business.  With so much content to create, it can be overwhelming for business owners.  However, with proper planning and organization, the content creation process can be streamlined to be faster and more effective.  A content calendar is a useful tool in this process as it helps plan ahead when to post and on which platform. The calendar can also be used to determine the type of co...

5 Questions to Ask

December 28, 2022 20:57 - 9 minutes - 8.94 MB

There's a lot of rush and pressure for small business owners to make quick decisions, always know what is going on, and "be successful". But what if there were another way to look at it? What if you could create goals that suit your own definition of success and work in a way that feels good to you?  Interested in learning how we can work together to build a roadmap between where you are now and where you want to go? Complete my intake form here.

13 Low Energy Marketing Tasks

December 23, 2022 01:11 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

No matter how passionate we are about the work we do or the impact we have, we're all going to have low energy days when it comes to our business.  And you know what? It is ok to shift your tasks on those days to something that feels more manageable and doable for where you are that day. In this episode we talk about 13 things you can do on low energy days (or if you're working on handed because you're nursing a baby). Interested in ongoing marketing support and resources? Join my Adventu...

Local SEO 101

October 25, 2022 21:32 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

Local SEO (and all SEO) is a big topic, but I wanted to share this podcast episode to get you started.  While I don't help businesses exclusively with SEO anymore, this is something I am passionate about. If you need a referral for someone to help you with your local SEO, please let me know!  Interested in ongoing marketing support and resources? Join my Adventures in Marketing membership starting at $10/month. 

5 Marketing Traps to Avoid

September 12, 2022 01:23 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!  Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat!  Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www...

Wearing All the Hats

June 03, 2022 18:02 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

Download your own copy of the flowchart here - https://www.subscribepage.com/flowchart  If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!  Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can ...

Rethinking Instagram

May 25, 2022 00:34 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

Instagram is adding even more changes and many are struggling with the algorithm.  Let's talk about how today's Instagram plays into your overall marketing strategy and why I think Instagram is now three social media platforms in one! Looking for more marketing support? If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving fo...

Staying Focused in the Noise

March 17, 2022 01:35 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MB

f you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!  Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat!  Learn more about what I do, access freebies, and find resources on my blog at www....

Gwen's Flow Chart

February 09, 2022 23:55 - 9 minutes - 8.27 MB

Download your own copy of the flowchart here - https://www.subscribepage.com/flowchart  If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!  Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can ...

Basics of Starting Your Own Podcast

January 20, 2022 03:09 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Tools and Resources mentioned in the podcast (please note, I don't use affiliate marketing - I actually use and like these products/services): Simplecast - podcast host - www.simplecast.com  Blue Yeti Snowball- the microphone I use - https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/snowball/ Audacity  - the tool I use to edit and record podcasts - https://www.audacityteam.org Otter.ai - transcription service - https://otter.ai  My blog post with free/low cost music options - https://www.gwenmontoya....

Uh-oh Bad Review - Now What?

September 12, 2021 02:01 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving forward with your marketing. We even start each week with a dance party!  Join here - www.gwenmontoya.com/membership If you'd like one-on-one support, complete my intake for and we can chat! - https://forms.gle/pRVVVEXfEQf9c2u9A Learn more about what I do, access freebies,...

Why You Need a Website

July 28, 2021 22:21 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

Resources mentioned in this podcast: Choosing a website service provider: https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/should-you-use-wix-weebly-squarespace-or-wordpress My curated branding boards on Pinterest: Branding Basics Branding -  Font Ideas Branding - Color Ideas ***** If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and moving fo...

Exploring Instagram Story Highlights

June 09, 2021 21:37 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

In this episode Gwen talks about how to use Instagram Story Highlights to connect with your audience and turn this often over-looked feature in a powerful part of your overall marketing.  If you're new to Instagram Stories, here is an article about creating your first one!  ******* If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track a...

Crowdfunding Success Tips

March 29, 2021 06:08 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Crowdfunding is often a popular topic in small business circles, but it isn't as straightforward (or easy) as it may seem.  In this episode Gwen, drawing on her experience in managing, consulting, and advising for many crowdfunding projects, shares ten ways to ensure your crowdfunding campaign is a success.  ******* If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources,...

10 Ways to Grow Your Email List

March 11, 2021 00:20 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Email marketing is a powerful business tool and when you know how to use it, you can make the most out of it! This episode shares ten ways to grow your email list so you can reach your audience on your terms and timeframe instead of relying on social media algorithms. ****** If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Adventures in Marketing Membership group - there are weekly trainings, live coaching, Q&A, resources, and prompts to keep you on track and movi...

Clubhouse 101

February 14, 2021 06:56 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

Clubhouse is the extremely popular new iPhone only (for now) audio-only app that is creating a lot of buzz.  In this episode I  break down what Clubhouse is, who it is for,  and how to use it.  I also share the downsides and dig into whether or not this is an app you need to be using.    Read the companion blog post of this episode here. The blog post has more technical how-do and screenshots with explanations. If you're tired of DIY'ing all of your marketing without support, join my Ad...

10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with Canva

December 02, 2020 18:17 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

I love sharing tools and apps that make marketing easier and more streamlined for business owners. When I sat down to write a podcast  about my favorite apps, I kept adding to the list of things I loved about Canva and it became this episode.  A quick reminder - I don't use affiliate links or marketing in my business. If I recommend a product, service, or provider it is because I'm a fan not because I'm getting paid to promote it.  Resources mentioned in the podcast: 17 Options for Unique...

Baby Steps to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

November 16, 2020 04:05 - 7 minutes - 6.45 MB

Have you ever felt as if you're faking it and someone is going to find out? Or maybe that what you do is easy and you're not sure why someone would pay for it? Or maybe you have a voice in your head insisting that someone else has already done it better than you ever could? In this episode I share baby steps to overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the moment so you can keep moving forward.  

Being Real on Social Media

October 18, 2020 21:59 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode I talk about comparison gremlins and social media content ideas that let your audience connect with you. Ready to grow your business? Join  my membership group.

20+ Ways to Grow Your Business Without Social Media

September 19, 2020 22:06 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MB

If you're feeling overwhelmed with social media, tired of algorithms, and wondering if it is possible to still grow your business without social media, this is the episode you're looking for! In this episode I talk about MOB networking - see upcoming meetups here. I also talk about MOBCON (happening September 27th & 28th). Learn more about MOBCON here and use THIS LINK to get $10 off your ticket. Tickets are  $149 for general admission and $99 for MOBAlliance members. This conference has o...

What We Learn from Failure

August 29, 2020 02:45 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MB

In this episode I explore why I think failure can be a powerful learning experience.  I also share my own favorite failure (the one I did three years in a row!) Ready to grow your business? Join  my membership group.

Stop Asking "What Would You Pay for This"

August 13, 2020 02:40 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

You can't rely on friends, family, and strangers on the internet to price the products you make or the services you sell.  I dive into some of my favorite topics for this episode! Pricing, value, and communicating that to your buyers and clients.  Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group!   

Launching Your Business

July 24, 2020 03:40 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

I love working with businesses that are just launching to help them get started the right way (and avoid complications and headaches later!) Resources mentioned in the podcast: Choosing your website creator - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/should-you-use-wix-weebly-squarespace-or-wordpress Which social media is right for you? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-choosing-the-best-social-media-platform-for-your-business/id1453309708?i=1000439198511 View the companion Pinterest board ...

Why I Don't Want You to Listen to My Podcast This Week

June 22, 2020 01:53 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MB

There are so many amazing marketing podcasters out there! In this episode I share seven I enjoy.  Link to  other podcasts blog post - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/7-podcasts-you-should-listen-to-this-week Link to Anti-Racism isn't a Marketing Choice - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/blog/anti-racism-isnt-a-marketing-choice Anti-Racism resource list - https://www.themobnation.com/blog/want-to-do-better-but-arent-sure-where-to-start-start-here

Pinterest 101

May 04, 2020 22:42 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MB

Pinterest is one of my favorite platforms and accounts for a significant piece of the new traffic that comes to my website each month.  It is a HUGE topic, but so much fun to explore! This this episode we'll about what Pinterset is, how it works, and why it matters. I'll also give you a rundown of the lingo and best Pinterest practices in 2020! Ready for ongoing marketing support and accountability? Join my membership group - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/membership.html

What to Do Now (COVID & Business)

April 21, 2020 19:24 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

COVID made is 10x (at least) as hard to run a business that normal, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do.  Whether your business is slowed down, stopped, or undergoing a big pivot, I'm sharing tips and ideas to help! Ready for ongoing marketing support? Join my membership group - https://www.gwenmontoya.com/membership.html

What to Do Now (Coronavirus & Business)

April 21, 2020 19:24 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

Gwen talks about how the Coronavirus is impacting businesses and what you can do now to work on your business.

#19 - Getting More Traffic to Your Website

February 18, 2020 20:42 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

I often hear "I need to get more traffic to my website" as if that is the entire goal - just traffic.  But traffic is just the first step! You need to focus on user friendliness, growing your email list, and conversion, too! Check out this episode's companion Pinterest board for more ideas and links. Related podcasts: 10 Things Your Website Must Have Using and Growing Your Email List What SEO Can & Can't Do for Your Business Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my A...

Getting More Traffic to Your Website

February 18, 2020 20:42 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Check out this episode's companion Pinterest board for more ideas and links. Related podcasts: 10 Things Your Website Must Have Using and Growing Your Email List What SEO Can & Can't Do for Your Business

#18 - Holiday Marketing Tips

December 11, 2019 19:40 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

No matter which holiday you are planning for, if you make more sales during a "holiday season" you need to start weeks and even months earlier than you think you do to get the most out of your promotions.  In this episode I break it down for you! For more resources, go to the Pinterest board for this episode - https://www.pinterest.com/gmontoyapdx/holiday-marketing-tips/  Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

Holiday Marketing Tips

December 11, 2019 19:40 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

For more resources, go to the Pinterest board for this episode - https://www.pinterest.com/gmontoyapdx/holiday-marketing-tips/ 

#17 - Networking Tips

November 16, 2019 05:25 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MB

Networking isn't something that comes easy to me and I can't say I ever really look forward to it (except for MOB meetups, of course!) In this episode I share ideas and tips to make your next networking experience a success instead of a nightmare. For more networking tips and ideas, check out the companion Pinterest board for this episode. Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

Networking Tips

November 16, 2019 05:25 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MB

For more networking tips and ideas, check out the companion Pinterest board for this episode.

#16 - Why You Need an Email List and What to Do with It

October 19, 2019 04:02 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

I'm a big believer in not showing up on every platform (which means I'm definitely not going to tell you to do it), but you NEED an email list! Your social media accounts can get hacked, deleted, suspended....and it is all out of your control.  But an email list? That's yours! After you've listened to the episode, check out the companion Pinterest board for resources and ideas! Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

Why You Need an Email List and What to Do with It

October 19, 2019 04:02 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

After you've listened to the episode, check out the companion Pinterest board for resources and ideas!

#15 - Getting Out of a Slump in Your Business

September 12, 2019 04:02 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

It can feel so frustrating to be humming along in your business and then WHAM suddenly everything feels harder than it should be and that progress you were making starts to slide until you're not even sure what you're doing anymore.  Welcome to a slump.  Let's talk about five signs to pay attention to and ways to pull yourself out of the slump. Check out the Pinterest board for this episode for more resources and ideas. Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventure...

Getting Out of a Slump in Your Business

September 12, 2019 04:02 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

Check out the Pinterest board for this episode for more resources and ideas.

#14 - Managing Your Business When the Kids Go Back to School

August 18, 2019 23:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

Visit the Pinterest link for this episode for more resources! For many parents their kids' first year of school is when they come back to their business after a break.  It is exciting to dive back into your business and get things moving again! In this episode I share ideas and insight into protecting your time and getting things done! Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

Managing Your Business When the Kids Go Back to School

August 18, 2019 23:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

Visit the Pinterest link for this episode for more resources!

Content Audit - What, Why, and How

August 01, 2019 21:37 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MB

The companion blog post - Never Run Out of Content Again

#13 - Content Audit - What, Why, and How

August 01, 2019 21:37 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MB

Ah, content! The thing we're all supposed to be producing, but no one really knows what to create or what to do with it once its made.  In this episode, I dive into how to create your own content audit! TRUST ME - you want do to one! It will save you hours of time, rivers of tears, and make you feel like a genius at the same time. The companion blog post - Never Run Out of Content Again   Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

#12 - 10 Things Your Website Must Have

July 26, 2019 20:46 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

It isn't enough to throw up a website, fill out your about page, add a couple of photos, and never thing about it again.  Your website needs to work for you! The ten must have things I cover in this episode will make your website stronger, better, and more likely to bring you business. Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

10 Things Your Website Must Have

July 26, 2019 20:46 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Gwen shares the ten things your website must have.

#11 - Take the Compliment

June 05, 2019 22:27 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MB

Ok, maybe don't say "I'm awesome", but you probably need to learn how to accept the compliments you receive!  More resources -  85 Ways to Say Thank You Ready for ongoing marketing mentoring and support? Join my Adventures in Marketing group! 

Twitter Mentions

@gmontoyapdx 6 Episodes