What do you think is the key difference between customers who "like" a brand versus those who "love" a brand?

Creating a brand that people genuinely adore isn’t just about flashy logos or clever ads—it’s about forging real, lasting connections. On this episode of Market It Like It's Hot, Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadoski discuss what separates “like” from “love” in branding (with plenty of dad jokes and a little chaos thrown in for good measure).

Here are 3 big takeaways for anyone looking to turn customers into true fans:

Authenticity wins every time.

People can spot a phony from a mile away. Brands that show their real personalities (the fun, quirky, even slightly awkward sides) are the ones that stand out. Take a page from Duolingo’s playbook—they lean into who they are, and it works.

Go for love, not just likes.

Having a huge audience of passive followers can look good on paper, but a smaller, engaged tribe that really loves what you do will have your back every time. Focus on building that die-hard community—it’s more valuable than empty numbers.

Meet your audience where they are—emotionally.

Understand how your ideal customers feel and what they’re experiencing. Respond with empathy and genuine care, not just sales pitches and “look at me” content.

When people feel that you get them, the loyalty follows.

Curious how to map your customer journey, identify your brand’s emotional core, or avoid influencer marketing mistakes?

Quick Win

Pick one thing this week to show more of your brand’s personality—post a behind-the-scenes video, write a “real talk” caption, or just thank your loyal fans.

Key Moments

05:39 "Social Media: Balancing Branding and Personality"

09:42 "Value of Micro-Influencers Overreach"

11:52 Influencer Marketing Misalignment

13:55 Defining Brand's Tone of Voice

18:09 Balancing Emotions in Branding

21:41 Duolingo's Engaging Social Media Strategy

25:23 Authentic Social Media Engagement Tips

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

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Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

We are serving up our insights on all things content calendars. Whether you're just starting on social media or looking to revamp your existing content strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to keep your marketing organized, accountable, and impactful.

We break down the basics of a content calendar, why it's essential for businesses of any size, and how to tailor it to fit your unique goals and audience. We walk you through everything from setting KPIs and brainstorming content ideas to choosing the right tools and maintaining flexibility to ride the latest trends.

Of course, you'll also get their honest takes—plus a few laughs and groan-worthy jokes—about the realities of marketing in today's digital world.

Grab your to-do lists, maybe a little wine, and get ready to take your content planning game to the next level with practical advice you can use.

Here are our top 3 takeaways from this episode:

Balance structure with flexibility.

Plan out your posts and batch content (hello, less stress!), but leave room to pivot quickly for trends and relevant moments.

Set clear goals and track what matters.

It’s not about vanity metrics. Focus on engagement, impressions, and if your content reaches your target audience.

Know your content buckets & pillars.

Mix up your education, promo, behind-the-scenes, and entertaining content so you’re not just salesy or repetitive (plus, your analytics will love you for it).

Market It Like It's Hot Moments

00:00 Content Calendars: Importance Explained

04:52 Content Strategy: Balancing Structure & Flexibility

07:06 Targeting Audience via TikTok

12:46 Defining Content Pillars

15:57 Self-Management Tips for Solopreneurs

18:31 Team Roles and Responsibilities

21:01 Balancing Content Themes Creatively

23:37 "Social Media Engagement Tracking"

26:55 "Authenticity Over Perfection"

30:49 "Knock-Knock Fridge Joke"

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

Learning from X (formerly Twitter), Radio Shack, Dunkin, and WW (WeightWatchers).

We explore some major rebrand disasters and share tips on how to avoid these pitfalls. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing enthusiast, these insights are invaluable.

Here are the 3 key takeaways:

🔍 Do Your Research: Before launching a rebrand, always understand your audience and the market. Ignoring customer insights can lead to confusion and the loss of loyal customers, as seen with the rebranding of Twitter to X.

📣 Communicate the 'Why': Clearly explain the reasons behind your rebrand. Transparency helps retain trust and engagement with your audience. The shift from Facebook to Meta left many puzzled due to a lack of communication.

🎨 Maintain Brand Recognition: While updates are great, keep core brand elements intact to retain familiarity. Dunkin's transition from Dunkin' Donuts is a prime example of balancing innovation with tradition.

03:26 Twitter's Name Change Critique

06:53 Listening and Evaluating Business Rebrands

11:02 Rejecting Toxic Diet Culture

13:11 "Reflecting on Weight Watchers' Impact"

19:41 Misguided Marketing Campaigns Analyzed

22:14 Brand Familiarity Explained Simply

24:50 Irrelevant Audience Pivot

29:36 Brand Updates: Maintain Familiarity

33:08 Explain Business Changes Briefly

34:47 "Logo Refresh: Necessary or Not?"

38:14 Unexpected Consequences of a Request

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

We talk about THE topic that many of us might have wondered about but never really explored—the death of Skype.

Once the pioneering force in video calling, Skype now lies in the shadow of modern giants like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. We unpack the journey of Skype from its glory days to its quiet exit, discussing where it all went wrong.

Was it the lack of innovation, the acquisition by Microsoft, or a failure in branding and positioning?

We don't just stop at analysis; we explore critical lessons for small businesses on how to avoid a similar fate. From the importance of adaptation to leveraging customer feedback, we share insights on maintaining a strong brand presence in an ever-evolving market.

Hot Moments

00:00 "Skype's Decline Amid Rising Alternatives"

05:06 Skype's Missed Pandemic Boom Opportunity

10:52 Blockbuster's Missed Streaming Opportunity

14:22 Missed Opportunities in Video Marketing

16:33 "AI-Driven Marketing Innovation"

19:14 Audience Feedback and Brand Alignment

22:36 Avoiding Market Aging Pitfalls

Hot Takeaways

• Adapt or Die: The ability to adapt is crucial. Skype's failure to update and innovate allowed competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to overtake them. Always be ready to pivot and embrace change.
• Consistent Branding Matters: Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype led to brand confusion between Skype and Microsoft Teams. Ensuring your brand has a clear and consistent identity is vital for long-term success.
• Listen and Innovate: Listening to your audience and acting on their feedback can set you apart. Don’t just rely on what worked in the past; look forward and find the gaps where you can provide value.

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

The Super Bowl is not just about football; it's the cherry on top of the advertising calendar, where brands try to outshine each other in creativity and relevance. This year brought a spectacular mix of hits and some questionable misses.

Kendrick Lamar's halftime show grabbed tons of attention, not just for the performance but for sparking a Duolingo social media extravaganza. Their team was hilariously roasting Drake, bringing the humor up a notch with clever and audacious marketing moves. We marvel at Duolingo's social strategy, which leans into culture with just the right amount of edge, connecting perfectly with its audience.

Speaking of bold moves, Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand, stirred the pot with their influencer marketing strategy. They placed vending machines at influencer homes during the Super Bowl weekend, hoping for organic promotion. But the backlash was instant, with audiences questioning the excess spending given to already well-off individuals.

Olipop, their savvy competitor, didn't miss the chance to exploit the situation, revealing the cost of the campaign and positioning themselves as the honest alternative. The fallout was swift, and it was a harsh lesson in reading the room and maintaining authenticity.

We also laugh, reflect, and dissect these marketing faux pas, understanding they underscore crucial lessons for marketers: transparency, knowing your audience, and sometimes simply owning up to your mistakes.

This year's Super Bowl wasn't just about the game or even the ads; it was a deep dive into how brands can misstep if they overlook these fundamentals.

Hot Takeaways

Understand Your Demographic: As demonstrated by both Duolingo's successful engagement with Super Bowl events and Poppy's missteps, brands must truly know their audience.

Verify Before Publishing: With American Eagle claiming Kendrick Lamar wore their jeans during the Super Bowl (when he didn't), it's crucial to verify information before release.

Effective Audience Engagement: The Duolingo case exemplifies fantastic audience engagement. By staying active in comment sections and understanding its audience's culture, Duolingo maintained a strong brand presence.

Hot Moments

06:21 Brands React to Duolingo Death

09:50 Duolingo's Stellar Social Media Strategy

13:10 Marketing Delays Ruin Trend Timing

16:03 Influencer Vending Machine Backlash

17:47 "Poppi's CEO Super Bowl Crisis"

21:41 "Poppi's PR Stunt Backlash"

28:05 Social Media Leadership Engagement

30:14 "Know Your Audience Strategy"

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

How should businesses evaluate the success of their social media posts? What metrics should be considered?

We tackle some of the most pressing social media questions from our community.

Key Highlights from the Episode

1. Optimal Posting Frequency: The ideal frequency for posting on social media can vary depending on your industry. While a marketing agency might benefit from frequent posts, a more conservative approach could be better for a law firm. Izzy recommends posting at least twice a week to maintain relevance.
2. Perfect Timing to Post: Timing is crucial! Consider when your audience is most active. For professional audiences, early mornings or lunch breaks might work, while for others, weekends could be optimal. Understand your audience's habits, and don't hesitate to experiment with different times.
3. Hashtags - To Use or Not to Use? Hashtags are more than trendy phrases—they're tools for discovery. Use relevant hashtags that reflect the content of your posts and the interests of your audience. Doing so can make your posts more discoverable.
4. Value of Reposts: Reposting and resharing content can be beneficial, especially when providing your unique insights or commentary. Engaging with industry content and incorporating your perspective can spark connection and enhance reach.
5. Understanding Success Metrics: Izzy emphasizes the importance of analyzing which posts perform best. Compare different types of posts and posting times to understand what resonates with your audience. Regularly analyze growth and engagement to inform your strategy.

Hot Moments

00:00 Industry-Based Social Media Strategy

04:55 Audience Understanding in Marketing

09:38 "Daily Social Media Posting Value?"

13:12 Tailoring Messaging for Target Audience

14:53 Social Media Post Performance Analysis

18:00 Brand-Safe Participation in Trends

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

How can nonprofits effectively share their stories to build trust with funders and their audience?

Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadoski sit down with Faith Rivera, an inspiring entrepreneur and the founder of Alo Civitas Consulting.

Faith brings her extensive experience in nonprofit and small business consulting, sharing insights on how to elevate impact and income through strategic planning, grant and project management, and professional development.

Faith's diverse background in education and social services has shaped her unique approach to business and community work. The three talk about the intricacies of nonprofit marketing, the importance of storytelling, and effective strategies for building brand identity without a massive budget.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a business owner, this episode is packed with valuable advice on creating meaningful connections and driving positive change.

Hot Takeaways

• Share Your Story: Nonprofits should never overlook the power of storytelling. Sharing your mission and impact helps build a strong know-like-trust factor with potential funders and those who may benefit from your services.
• Consistency is Key: From your social media to your in-person events, maintaining a consistent brand message and tone is crucial. Ensuring that your organization's values are reflected across all platforms helps reinforce credibility and trust.
• Collaborate for Greater Impact: Partnering with organizations that share similar values but offer complementary services can expand your reach. It's not about competition; it's about collective impact.

Hot Moments

00:00 Journey from Education to Entrepreneurship

04:48 Universal Workplace Challenges

08:56 Nonprofit Branding: Consistency Matters

13:04 Clearly Articulate Your Organization's Impact

17:02 Strategic Planning for Organizational Success

19:30 ECHO Learning and Outreach Strategy

24:03 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

26:09 "Effective Content Strategy Essentials"

32:09 Collaborative Impact for Texas Families

35:09 Nonprofits: Business Strategies Needed

37:10 Becoming an Industry Expert

41:40 "Nonprofit Funding & Trust-Building Shift"

43:27 Consistent Branding and Audience Leverage

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing

Utilize slow times to tackle tasks you've always wanted to but couldn't due to busy schedules. This is the time to plan, strategize, and execute growth-oriented projects.

Rebel Marketing's Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadoski share their expertise on tackling one of the most challenging times for businesses – the slow season.

Izzy emphasizes staying calm and using the slower periods to undertake projects you couldn't handle during busier times. Yasmine suggests conducting thorough marketing audits ahead of the slow season to create a robust roadmap, ensuring you are prepared rather than overwhelmed.

They also provide actionable tips like focusing on content creation, maintaining an active social media presence, and making sure your brand's messaging is consistent and reflective of your goals. And, of course, they highlight the significance of customer reviews and feedback in shaping your marketing strategy.

3 Hot Takeaways

Leverage Slow Periods for Big Plans: Use the downtime to implement the projects you've been postponing. Evaluate your marketing goals, consider new strategies, and perhaps reach out to marketing firms for that extra boost.

Audit and Analyze: Conduct a thorough audit of your current marketing efforts. Assess your website, SEO, social media, and email marketing to identify what's working and what's not. This provides a clear roadmap for improvement.

Content Creation and Customer Engagement: Focus on creating valuable content for your audience. This is also a perfect time to gather feedback from past customers and adjust your messaging accordingly. Engaging content and positive customer interactions can drive brand loyalty.

Key Moments

00:00 Embrace Slow Periods Proactively

03:48 Conduct Marketing Audit Before Slow Season

08:58 Optimize Email and Social Strategy

13:19 Batch and Share Event Photos

15:07 Survey and Respond During Slow Seasons

17:42 Learning Moment - Brand Blunder Over Mac & Cheese

Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on:

• Instagram: @RoblesDesigns
• LinkedIn: Yasmine Robles
• TikTok: @RoblesDesigns
• Facebook: @RoblesDesigns
• Rebel Marketing

Your ultimate guide - FREE Website Starter Checklist and FREE Marketing Workbook

This comprehensive guide is your personalized roadmap to website success. Stop dreaming about your website and start building it today!

Download your FREE Website Starter Checklist and unlock the secrets to crafting a website.

Copyright 2025 Rebel Marketing