Ever wished you had a marketing mentor on speed dial? That’s exactly what the first season of Talk Copy to Me delivers.
From clarifying SEO to crafting conversion-worthy copy, I’ve packed 46 episodes with actionable insights that’ll transform your approach to marketing your small business. Through a mix of solo episodes and expert guest conversations, you’ll discover practical strategies you can implement right away.
What’s In Talk Copy to Me Season One?
Think of this as your customized small business marketing roadmap, minus the overwhelming price tag of working with a marketing strategist and the confusing jargon you’d find in a high-level marketing course.
In these episodes, I’ve covered everything from the basics of website creation to advanced strategies for email marketing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your existing skills, there’s something here for every stage of your business journey.
Below, you’ll find episodes grouped into themed sections, making it easy to focus on exactly what you need right now. These episodes work together to create a comprehensive resource for your marketing journey.
Understanding Copy and Content That Converts
Episode 001: The Two Questions Everyone Wonders As They Consume Content
Ever notice how some content just clicks while other pieces fall flat? This episode reveals the two crucial questions your audience asks (consciously or not) every time they encounter your message. Once you understand these questions, it’s likely that you’ll change your approach for creating content for your business.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 002: Do I Need a Website for My Business?
“Can’t I just use social media?” “Isn’t a website too expensive?” I hear these questions all the time, and this episode tackles them head-on.
You’ll discover exactly why your online presence matters more than ever in today’s digital landscape. Plus, learn what your website actually needs to succeed (hint: it’s probably less than you think).
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 003: The Importance of Niching Down with Mallika Malhotra
Ready to stop being everything to everyone?
Photographer and brand strategist Mallika Malhotra shares why specializing could be your business’s biggest opportunity. Learn how to find your ideal niche without leaving money on the table, and discover practical strategies to stand out in your market.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Website Essentials for the Most Important Pages
Episode 004: Welcome Home? How to Write Homepage Copy and What Goes on the Page
Your homepage has one job: to tell visitors they’re in exactly the right place. But how do you do that without overwhelming them? In this episode, I break down the essential elements every homepage needs and show you how to write copy that turns casual browsers into eager buyers. You’ll walk away with a proven homepage layout that attracts and converts your ideal clients.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 005: Sorry, But Your Website About Us Page Isn’t About You
Think your About page should tell your life story? Think again.
This episode flips the script on traditional About pages and shows you how to create one that actually connects with your readers. Learn how to balance your story with your customers’ needs and create an About page that builds trust and drives action.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 007: What Types of Website Pages Should Your Site Have? Here are 20+ Options
Wondering what pages your website really needs?
This episode walks you through more than 20 different page types and helps you choose the ones that will serve your business best. You’ll learn the purpose of each page type and how to use them strategically to guide your visitors toward becoming clients.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Making Search Engine Optimization Work for You
Episode 008: SEOhhhhh! The Basics of Search Engine Optimization and Why SEO Is a Marketing Must
Feeling overwhelmed by SEO? This episode breaks it down into bite-sized, actionable pieces. Learn why SEO isn’t optional in today’s digital world and discover straightforward strategies to improve your website’s visibility. You’ll walk away understanding exactly where to start with your SEO journey.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 009: Don’t Snooze on SEO for Content Marketing with Meg Casebolt
All the SEO strategists will tell you: “Write for humans first, optimize for search engines second.” But what does that actually mean when you’re a creative, solopreneur, or small business owner?
Guest expert Meg Casebolt—who also happens to be an SEO expert—joins me on the podcast to break down how to marry engaging content with smart SEO strategies. You’ll learn practical ways to make your content work harder for your business without sacrificing your voice or authenticity.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 010: SEO for Podcasts, YouTube, and More with Akilah Thompkins-Robinson
Think SEO is just for blog posts? Think again.
SEO strategist Akilah Thompkins-Robinson joins me so we can chat about how to expand your SEO strategy across multiple platforms. Whether you’re podcasting, creating videos, or exploring new content formats, you’ll discover how to make sure your ideal audience finds your content everywhere they look.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 011: Is SEO for Copywriting a Smart Investment?
Wondering if you should focus on SEO copywriting or just stick to your current writing style? This episode helps you understand the real value of SEO-optimized copy and how it impacts your bottom line. Learn when to invest in SEO copywriting and how to measure whether it’s working for your business.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Selling and High-Converting Sales Copywriting
Episode 012: The POWER Pre-Launch Marketing Framework with Ash Chow
Tired of launches that fizzle instead of sizzle?
Ash Chow, a fellow copyrwriter and guest expert of this episode, shares her proven pre-launch framework that builds genuine excitement for your offers before your sales launch starts. You’ll learn specific strategies to prepare your audience for your next launch and create momentum before you even open cart.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 013: Lazy Launches and Strategic Sales Launches with Kristin MacIntyre
Not every launch needs to be a massive production. Fellow copywriter and former teacher Kristin MacIntyre walks you through two distinct launch approaches on this episode—from low-key to strategically planned. Learn which style fits your business model and how to execute either one successfully.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 014: Strategic Sales Launches and Non-Sleazy Sales Copy with Jess Haney
“Buy now!” “Don’t miss out!” “Limited time offer!”
Tired of sales copy that makes you cringe? Sales copywriter Jess Haney shows you how to write launch copy that feels authentic and still converts. Get practical tips for creating sales messages that build trust while moving your audience to action.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 015: Sales Page Copywriting for a Short or Long Form Sales Page
Staring at a blank sales page and questioning just how long your copy needs to be to get the point of your offer across? You’re not alone. This episode takes the guesswork out of sales page length and structure. Learn exactly what to include, what to cut, and how to know which format will work best for your offer.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 016: Social Proofing: How to Ask for a Testimonial (And Use It!)
“Can I get a testimonial?” doesn’t have to be an awkward question.
Learn how to confidently request testimonials and transform them into powerful marketing assets in this episode of Talk Copy to Me. You’ll get word-for-word scripts and strategies to gather compelling social proof that sells.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences
Episode 017: Small Business Customer Experience with Megan Dowd
Exceptional customer experience isn’t just for big corporations with massive budgets. Guest expert Megan Dowd reveals how small businesses can create memorable customer experiences that turn clients into raving fans. You’ll learn practical strategies to enhance every touchpoint in your customer journey, discover the small details that make a big impact, and walk away with actionable steps to implement in your business immediately.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 018: Customer Experience & Systems with Charlotte Isaac
Systems might not sound sexy, but they’re the secret sauce behind consistent customer experiences. IN this episode, Charlotte Isaac shows you how to build frameworks that make exceptional service scalable and sustainable for your business. You’ll discover how to identify gaps in your current processes, learn to create systems that feel personal rather than automated, and understand how to maintain high-touch service even as your business grows.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 019: Turning Testimonials Into Case Study Marketing Content with Brittany Herzberg
A good testimonial tells a story, but a great case study tells a story that sells. In this episode, Brittany Herzberg and I walk you through the art of transforming client success stories into compelling marketing assets that showcase your expertise. Learn how to structure case studies that highlight your unique approach, discover the key questions that uncover the most powerful client insights, and master the technique of weaving these elements into content that resonates with potential clients.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Brand Messaging That Resonates
Episode 020: What Goes In a Brand Messaging Guide?
Your brand voice shouldn’t live just in your head. It needs a home on paper too. This episode walks you through the essential components of a brand messaging guide that keeps your communication consistent and powerful across all platforms. Discover how to document your brand voice in a way that makes sense to you and your team, learn the crucial elements that every brand guide needs to include, and understand how this foundational document can transform your marketing effectiveness.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 021: Brand Messaging and Repurposing Content with Emily Aborn
Creating fresh content shouldn’t feel like running on a never-ending hamster wheel. In this episode, Emily Aborn shares her strategic approach to repurposing content while maintaining consistent brand messaging across all platforms. You’ll learn how to make your content work smarter instead of harder, discover practical ways to adapt your message for different channels without losing its impact, and understand how to maintain brand consistency even when you’re everywhere at once.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 022: Voice of Customer Research and Messaging with Melissa Payne
The secret to compelling copy isn’t in a thesaurus—it’s in your customers’ own words. Melissa Payne reveals how to gather and use voice of customer research to create messaging that feels like you’re reading your ideal client’s mind. Learn specific techniques for collecting valuable customer insights, discover how to transform raw feedback into powerful marketing messages, and understand how to use this research to create copy that connects on a deeper level with your audience.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 023: What’s the Difference between a Messaging and a Visual Style Brand Guide with Michelle Clayton
Brand consistency goes beyond just using the right fonts and colors, but how do messaging and visual guides work together? On this episode, Michelle Clayton and I talk about the distinct roles of messaging and visual brand guides, helping you understand when and how to use each one effectively. You’ll learn how these two essential documents complement each other, discover what belongs in each guide, and understand how to use both to create a cohesive brand experience that resonates with your audience.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 024: Showing Up Authentically in Your Business with Josh Womack
Being “authentic” in business has become such a buzzword that it’s almost lost its meaning, but genuine authenticity remains crucial for building trust with your audience. In this episode, Josh Womack breaks down what real authenticity looks like in business communications and how to maintain it while scaling your company. You’ll discover practical ways to infuse your true personality into your business communications, learn how to balance professionalism with personality, and understand how authentic messaging can become your strongest competitive advantage.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Website Strategy and Investment
Episode 025: How to Make the Best Website Investment with Katie O’Brien
Your website is one of your biggest business investments, but how do you ensure you’re spending your money wisely? Katie O’Brien joins me to talk through the critical decisions that impact your website’s return on investment, from choosing the right platform to deciding which features actually matter for your business goals. You’ll learn how to prioritize your website spending, understand which investments will give you the biggest impact, and discover how to avoid costly mistakes that many business owners make when building their sites.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 026: How to Audit A Website (Think: Tech, Copy, Design + More!)
A website audit might sound technical and overwhelming, but it’s actually a powerful tool for improving your online presence. This episode breaks down the audit process into manageable steps, showing you exactly what to look for in your website’s technology, copy, design, and user experience. You’ll learn how to identify issues that could be holding your site back, discover opportunities for quick wins that can boost your site’s performance, and walk away with a practical checklist you can use to audit your own website.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 027: The 4 Buying Journey Questions Your Website Must Answer with Lorraine Ball
Every visitor to your website is silently asking questions. Are you answering the right ones?
Lorraine Ball came on the podcast to talk about four crucial questions that influence buying decisions and shows you exactly how to address them through your website content. You’ll learn how to identify where these questions appear in your customer’s journey, discover strategies for answering them effectively through your website copy, and understand how to structure your site to guide visitors naturally toward becoming customers.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 028: Set Your Own Website Rules with Teresa Schlup
Following someone else’s website “rules” might be holding your business back from truly connecting with your audience.
On this episode, Teresa Schlup challenges conventional wisdom about website design and shows you how to create guidelines that actually serve your unique business needs. You’ll discover how to identify which traditional website rules you should keep or break, learn how to develop custom strategies that align with your business goals, and understand how to test and refine your approach for maximum impact.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Copy in Unexpected Places
Episode 029: Podcast Guesting and All the Copy That Comes With It with Angie Trueblood
In this conversation with podcast visibility expert Angie Trueblood, we explore the world of podcast guesting and all the writing it requires behind the scenes. Together we unpack everything from crafting compelling pitch emails to creating show notes that drive traffic to your business. You’ll learn how to position yourself as an ideal podcast guest, discover the essential copy elements needed for your podcast guest kit, and understand how to maximize the marketing potential of each guest appearance.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 030: Is an Online Business Membership Right for My Business with Lisa Princic
Join my conversation with membership strategist Lisa Princic as we tackle one of the biggest questions in online business: whether a membership model is right for you. Through our discussion, we examine the pros and cons of membership programs, exploring both the obvious and hidden aspects of running this type of business model. You’ll gain clarity on whether a membership aligns with your business goals, understand the content creation demands of this model, and learn what it really takes to build and maintain a successful membership community.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 031: How Copy Factors Into Your Business Processes with Melissa Morris
I sat down with systems expert Melissa Morris to explore the crucial intersection of copy and business operations that many entrepreneurs overlook. Our discussion reveals how clear, purposeful writing can streamline your business processes and improve team communication at every level. You’ll discover practical ways to use copy to strengthen your standard operating procedures, learn how effective documentation can save you time and money, and understand how to create templates that maintain consistency across your business operations.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Interactive Marketing Strategies
Episode 032: The Low Down on Marketing Quiz Creation with Jackie Aguglia
Marketing quizzes can be powerful lead generators, and in this episode, I chat with quiz strategist Jackie Aguglia from Interact about creating quizzes that actually convert. Our conversation digs into the psychology behind effective quiz questions and results that keep participants engaged and eager to learn more. You’ll discover the essential elements of a high-converting quiz, learn how to create questions that gather valuable customer insights, and understand how to craft results that naturally lead to your paid offerings.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 033: Creating a Post Quiz Email Strategy with Dawn Petrin
What happens after someone takes your quiz? Email strategist Dawn Petrin joins me to unravel the art of nurturing quiz leads through strategic email sequences. We explore how to turn quiz momentum into meaningful customer relationships through targeted follow-up content. You’ll learn how to create email sequences that build on quiz results, discover strategies for segmenting your audience based on their answers, and understand how to guide quiz takers toward becoming paying clients.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Email Marketing That Converts
Episode 034: How to Grow an Email List with Kate Doster
Email marketing veteran Kate Doster joins me for a candid conversation about growing your email list in ways that actually work (and won’t make you feel like you need a shower afterward). We bust common list-building myths and explore proven strategies that attract engaged subscribers who want to hear from you. You’ll learn practical techniques for creating lead magnets that convert, discover how to promote your email list without being pushy, and understand the key metrics that show whether your list-building efforts are actually working.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 035: What Goes in a Welcome Series with Liz Wilcox
Email marketing strategist Liz Wilcox and I break down the anatomy of a welcome email sequence that turns subscribers into fans. Our conversation explores how to strike the perfect balance between personality and purpose in your initial emails to new subscribers. You’ll discover the essential elements every welcome series needs, learn how to showcase your expertise while building genuine connections, and understand how to structure your emails to naturally guide new subscribers toward becoming customers.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 036: How to Be Consistent In Email Marketing
Consistency in email marketing isn’t about sending emails just to check a box on your to-do list. It’s about showing up reliably for your subscribers in ways that matter. This episode walks you through creating an email marketing rhythm that feels sustainable and serves both you and your audience. You’ll learn how to develop an email calendar that you’ll actually stick to, discover strategies for building an email content bank for busy weeks, and understand how to maintain quality while being consistent in your email marketing efforts.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 037: Sales Email Strategy with Kyla Roma
In this episode, Kyla Roma joins me for a discussion about sales emails that convert without feeling constantly salesy. Together, we explore how to structure email campaigns that build anticipation and desire for your offerings while maintaining trust with your audience. You’ll learn how to craft email sequences that guide subscribers naturally toward a purchase decision, discover the key elements of high-converting sales emails, and understand how to maintain relationships with subscribers who aren’t ready to buy yet.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 038: Email Tech 101 with Bev Feldman
Tech shouldn’t stand between you and successful email marketing, which is why I invited email systems expert Bev Feldman to demystify the technical side of email marketing. Our conversation breaks down complex concepts into manageable pieces, focusing on the essential technical elements that actually matter for small business owners. You’ll learn how to choose the right email marketing platform for your needs, understand how to set up basic automation that saves you time, and discover how to troubleshoot common email marketing technical issues before they become problems.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Managing Paid Marketing Channels
Episode 039: Demystifying Facebook Ads for Beginners
Facebook ads don’t have to feel like you’re throwing money into a digital black hole hoping for results. This episode breaks down the fundamentals of Facebook advertising into clear, actionable steps that make sense for small business owners. You’ll learn how to set up your first campaign with confidence, understand which metrics actually matter for measuring success, and discover how to test and refine your ads without blowing your budget.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 040: The Basics on Google Ads for Beginners with Ameet Khabra
Google Ads expert Ameet Khabra joins me to unpack the fundamentals of Google advertising for small businesses. Our conversation cuts through the complexity to focus on what you actually need to know to get started with Google Ads without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn how to identify the right keywords for your business, understand how to structure your first campaign for success, and discover strategies for maximizing your advertising budget regardless of its size.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 041: What is GA4 and How It Impacts Google Analytics with Dina Pruitt
Analytics expert Dina Pruitt and I tackle the transition to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in this timely and practical conversation. We explore what this change means for small business owners and how to make the most of the new features without getting lost in the data. You’ll learn how to navigate the new GA4 interface with confidence, understand which metrics matter most for your business goals, and discover how to use this data to make smarter marketing decisions.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
Episode 042: Business Planning for Small Businesses
Business planning doesn’t have to involve lengthy documents that gather dust on your hard drive. It can be a dynamic tool that actually guides your daily decisions. This episode walks you through creating a practical business plan that works as a roadmap for your company’s growth and development. You’ll learn how to identify your most important business priorities, discover strategies for setting achievable goals, and understand how to create action plans that move your business forward.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 043: How to Review Your Marketing Strategy and Tactics
A marketing strategy review shouldn’t feel like a painful post-mortem of what went wrong. It should be an energizing look at what’s working and what could work better. This episode provides a framework for evaluating your marketing efforts in a way that generates actionable insights rather than just data points. You’ll learn how to assess which marketing tactics are truly serving your business goals, understand how to identify patterns in your successful campaigns, and discover how to use these insights to refine your future marketing plans.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 044: Preparing for 2023 Marketing Goal Setting
Setting marketing goals isn’t about picking arbitrary numbers. It’s about creating a realistic roadmap for your business growth. This episode guides you through a strategic approach to setting marketing goals that align with your business vision while remaining achievable. You’ll learn how to set metrics that actually matter for your business, discover how to break down annual goals into manageable quarterly targets, and understand how to create action plans that keep you moving toward your objectives.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 045: Easy Website Updates to Keep Your Site Secure in the New Year
Website security doesn’t have to involve complex coding or expensive consultants to be effective. This episode walks you through the essential maintenance tasks that keep your website secure and performing at its best throughout the year. You’ll learn which updates actually matter for your site’s security, discover how to create a manageable maintenance schedule that won’t overwhelm you, and understand how to protect your digital assets without becoming a tech expert.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
Episode 046: Maintaining Momentum in Marketing, Business and Life with Diann Wingert
I sat down with mindset coach Diann Wingert to explore how to maintain momentum across all areas of your business without burning out. Our conversation digs into practical strategies for sustainable growth while acknowledging the very real challenges of balancing multiple priorities. You’ll discover how to create systems that support consistent progress, learn techniques for bouncing back when motivation dips, and understand how to build momentum that carries you through both challenging and successful periods in your business.
Click here to listen to the episode and read the full show notes.
What’s Next: Looking Ahead to Season Two
Talk Copy to Me Season One laid a strong foundation for transforming your marketing approach. From crafting compelling website copy to mastering email marketing, from understanding SEO basics to creating authentic customer experiences, each episode provided actionable strategies you can implement in your business right away.
But this is just the beginning. In Season Two, I’m diving even deeper into the topics that matter most to your business growth. You’ll hear more expert conversations, get additional strategic insights, and discover new ways to level up your marketing game.
Ready to Take Action?
- Start Where You Need It Most: Whether you’re wrestling with website copy or trying to crack the code of email marketing, jump to the episode that addresses your current challenge.
- Implement One Strategy at a Time: Choose one takeaway from each episode you listen to and put it into action before moving on to the next.
- Share Your Journey: Connect with me on Instagram [@erinollila] to share your biggest takeaways and how you’re implementing what you’ve learned.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes packed with practical marketing insights.
Remember, effective marketing isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about taking consistent, strategic steps toward your goals. Choose the episodes that resonate most with your current business needs, implement what you learn, and watch your marketing transform one insight at a time.
And check back in soon for season two!
