In this episode of Digital Dawson, Tommy breaks down the hard truth: newspapers are fading fast, and so is the value of advertising in them. With circulation and readership in steep decline, businesses can’t afford to waste money on shrinking audiences. Instead, Tommy explains why digital advertising delivers better targeting, real tracking, and stronger ROI — and shows how shifting your ad dollars online will keep your business ahead of the curve.

MAXDigitalAdvertising.com

In this episode of The Digital Dawson Show, Tommy breaks down the pros and cons of billboards—great for awareness, directional messages, and local credibility, but often overpriced and hard to measure. He challenges myths about reach and value, then shares smarter digital alternatives like SEO, geofenced mobile ads, and Connected TV. His advice: shift most of a $3K–5K monthly billboard budget into digital for stronger, trackable results, using billboards only as a short-term complement.

MAXDigitalAdvertising.com

Email - tommyd@riverradio.net

In this episode, Tommy breaks down the basics: What exactly is a podcast? And more importantly, why is River Radio stepping into the podcasting world with the brand-new Max Podcast Network?

From understanding podcasts as “radio on your schedule” to exploring how they build trust, authority, and long-term customer loyalty for businesses, Tommy shows why this medium is exploding — and why Southeast Missouri deserves its own hub of local voices and stories.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to market smarter, a musician ready to connect with fans, or someone who’s just been told “you should have your own show,” this episode is your invitation to get in on the mic.

More information at MaxPodcastNetwork.com or email: tommyd@riverradio.net

In this episode of the Digital Dawson Show, Tommy dives into the crucial topic of SEO for local businesses. He explains the difference between Local SEO, which focuses on getting found in location-based searches, and Organic SEO, which targets broader search results. Tommy breaks down actionable steps for both SEO types, like optimizing your Google Business Profile and creating valuable content to rank higher in search results. He also shares how Local and Organic SEO work together to help businesses become the go-to choice in their area. Tune in for expert tips on improving your online presence and driving more customers to your business.

MaxDigitalAdvertising.com

In this special episode of The Digital Dawson Show, we’re hitting pause on the usual marketing tips to get personal. Tommy shares the story behind the podcast — from his early love of media and years in TV, to owning a local frozen treat shop, weathering the challenges of COVID, and discovering his passion for helping businesses grow through smarter marketing. This is a behind-the-scenes look at why he believes Southeast Missouri businesses deserve better — and how this podcast aims to give them just that. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed as a business owner or unsure where to start with marketing, this one’s for you.

SEMOAdvertising.com

Email: tommyd@riverradio.net

In this episode of the Digital Dawson Show, we break down three steps your ad strategy needs: Branding, Consideration, and Conversion. Tommy explains how to guide potential customers through each stage of the marketing funnel using real-world tools like programmatic video, retargeting, Google Ads, and social media lead forms. Whether you're a local business owner frustrated with aimless ad spend or a marketer trying to drive real results, this episode will help you connect the dots between awareness and actual sales. Tune in and learn how to build a funnel that works — without the jargon.

In this special episode of Digital Dawson, we dive into the untapped power of local radio and why it's still the #1 ad-supported audio platform in America. Learn how AM/FM radio's unmatched reach, when paired with smart digital strategies, creates unbeatable ROI for local businesses. We bust myths around media perceptions, explore why podcasts can’t compete with local radio’s consistency, and share how aligning the right message with the right frequency delivers results. It’s all a preview of what’s to come at the MAX Impact Marketing Seminar on July 15th & 16th, 2025 in Cape Girardeau, MO. Find more info at SEMOAdvertising.com.

Missed the event? Reach out to us and we can bring it to you or do a Zoom presentation with you.

Episode 3 of the Digital Dawson Show breaks down the most common types of digital advertising—like search, social, display, video, and geofencing—and explains why a successful campaign isn’t about using every tool, but using the right ones for the job. Tommy emphasizes that digital marketing should be tailored to each business’s unique goals, audience, and sales journey—not just a random mix of ad products. Whether you’re focused on brand awareness, lead generation, or customer retention, this episode helps you understand how to choose the strategies that actually deliver results.