As a small business owner, have you noticed that customers light up more about an experience than a product on a shelf? That's the Experience Effect, the idea that people value memories, feelings, and interactions over material purchases. In today’s competitive market, that shift is shaping how consumers decide where to spend their money.

In this episode, we’ll explore the psychology behind the Experience Effect and why it matters for your business. You’ll hear real-world examples of businesses winning by creating unforgettable moments. We’ll also share strategies you can apply right now to transform ordinary transactions into memorable experiences that build loyalty and spark referrals. If you want to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will show you how to sell more than products—you’ll sell moments customers can’t forget.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

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If you run a small business, you have probably seen it: even when wallets tighten, people still splurge on coffee, accessories, or self-care. Why do those small luxuries survive when bigger spending disappears?

Even in tough times, customers still find ways to treat themselves. Psychologists call it the lipstick effect. It is the idea that when budgets shrink, people still splurge on small, affordable luxuries to boost their mood. For small business owners, this is not just an interesting trend; it is a powerful insight into consumer behavior that can shape how you market and sell.

In this episode, we will explore the psychology behind the lipstick effect and why it matters for your business. You will hear real-world examples of small businesses that thrive by offering little luxuries customers can’t resist, from coffee shops and bakeries to local boutiques and beauty services. More importantly, we will break down how you can position your products and messaging to tap into this consumer mindset. If you have ever wondered why customers buy small indulgences during downturns, and how you can turn that into growth, this episode gives you the answers.

You’ll learn:

• How the lipstick effect can set you up to sell in down times.
• What types of businesses do it best.
• Specific marketing strategies for your small business that complement the lipstick effect.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

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Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

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Are you a small business owner who creates social media video posts and ads, but your targeted audience seems to continue scrolling past them no matter how professional you make them? It is frustrating when your marketing is not driving clicks, customers, or sales—especially when you’re already wearing ten other hats just to keep the business running. The problem? Without a strong hook, your videos get lost in the scroll.

In this episode, we break down 7 powerful marketing hooks that capture attention instantly and keep viewers watching.

• You will discover how to ask bold questions, make shocking statements, and highlight pain points your customers can not ignore.
• We explore curiosity-driven openings and urgent calls that stop people mid-scroll.
• Plus, we cover hooks that use social proof, quick wins, and audience callouts designed to make your ideal customer feel like you are speaking directly to them.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

• Instagram

Are your video ads falling flat? Wondering why they are not pulling in clicks, customers, or sales? You are not alone. Many small business owners put time and money into video marketing content, only to see little return. The problem is not that video does not work, it is that most videos are missing the essential structure that drives attention and action.

In this episode, we break down the key components of a successful social media marketing video so your next post or ad will keep them sticking around for more.

You will learn:

• Why the hook is essential.
• How to define the story that you are telling.
• How to not react the way most do and how to react appropriately.
• Why nothing is ever perfect.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

• Instagram

Are you a small business in a town that stops when the Friday night lights come on? Or maybe you’ve seen a shift in recent years where more people are talking about their old high school alma mater – and the amazing year they are having in sports?

Local small businesses are increasingly turning to the familiar fields and courts of high school sports as a prime advertising venue. This strategic marketing move is driven by a powerful combination of direct community engagement, targeted marketing, and the potential for a significant return on investment. By aligning your small business with the passion and excitement of local athletics, you can forge strong connections with a valuable local audience.

In this episode, we talk about how aligning your small business with the passion and excitement of scholastic athletics, companies can forge strong connections with a valuable local audience.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How digital technologies are helping local sports become to the newest marketing opportunity for small businesses.
• How the “halo effect” can place your small business in the mind of new customers by creating a positive association with feelings customers already have developed.
• How to think outside the box locally, but use the strategies that big brands use on a national scale.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

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Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

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Have you ever lost sleep over what a former employee might say, or even worse, what they might do to affect the reputation of your small business? You’re not alone. Maybe you’ve dealt with it already: someone leaves, and suddenly they’re stirring up rumors, posting online, or even opening a competing shop right down the street. As a small business owner, these situations cut deep because they don’t just threaten profits; they strike at your reputation and trust. The good news? There are ways to prepare, minimize the damage, and protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

In this episode, we’re breaking down five strategies every owner should know before an employee problem becomes a marketing crisis.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to control the narrative.
• What business assets are most vulnerable.
• How to not react the way most do and how to react appropriately.
• Expect problems and have a plan in place.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

• Instagram

Do you believe marketing your small business is ONLY about ads, promotions, and social media posts? The truth is your customer experience is your marketing. Every detail, from the way your storefront looks to the personal touches you share with your customers, shapes how people feel about your brand and whether they’ll come back.

In this two-part episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we uncover nine proven ways to turn everyday customer interactions and experiences into powerful marketing moments.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The secret message you’re sending to your customer that could be good or bad.
• How your products and services might be the one thing that confuses everyone.
• Why your employees need to be on the same page.
• How what we expect, and what we get are key to driving long-term sales and growth.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

• Instagram

Do you believe marketing your small business is ONLY about ads, promotions, and social media posts? The truth is your customer experience is your marketing. Every detail, from the way your storefront looks to the personal touches you share with your customers, shapes how people feel about your brand and whether they’ll come back.

In this two-part episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we uncover nine proven ways to turn everyday customer interactions and experiences into powerful marketing moments.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The secret message you’re sending to your customer that could be good or bad.
• How your products and services might be the one thing that confuses everyone.
• Why your employees need to be on the same page.
• How what we expect, and what we get are key to driving long-term sales and growth.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we’ll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

Follow Mastering Local Marketing on:

• Instagram