UNF*DGE Your Marketing
The podcast where we talk about what really happens when marketing doesn’t go according to plan.
Browse episodes:
Type of Interview
Google Business Profile Mistakes That Are Holding You Back
EPISODE 119
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, we talk about the biggest mistakes law firms and service providers make with their Google Business Profiles.
The conversation covered key areas like optimizing your listing, the impact of reviews, and practical strategies to encourage clients to leave feedback that builds visibility and trust.
Did you know that reviews aren’t only about quality? Their quantity and how recent they are matter just as much for client perception and search rankings.
We also talked about how AI and new search platforms are changing the way businesses get found online, why keeping information consistent across platforms matters, and practical hacks for managing your reputation.
Why Credentials Alone Won’t Win You Clients
EPISODE 118
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, we're talking about the challenges business owners face when moving from structured industries into entrepreneurship, especially those coming from medical and academic backgrounds.
We’ll chat about why relying too heavily on credentials can hold you back, and how letting your personality and values shine makes your marketing more authentic (and effective!)
A big theme is the journey of self‑discovery; overcoming imposter syndrome, reshaping beliefs about value, and building an authentic personal brand.
You’ll hear how to move from rigid strategies to a more intuitive, authentic approach that makes marketing feel natural and even enjoyable. Expect real advice on embracing the process, leaning on support, and building the kind of business you actually want.
Why Your Slide Deck Won’t Seal the Deal: B2B Sales Mistakes to Avoid
EPISODE 115
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell is joined by Jen Kelly to dig into a common mistake B2B consultants and business owners make: relying too heavily on slide decks or leave‑behinds to close deals.
They explore what happens when your internal champion has to convince a wider team, and your materials don’t give them what they need.
Key themes include tailoring sales content for different stakeholders, equipping internal sponsors with the right information, and building resources like solution briefs and FAQs that speak to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your sales enablement materials and address every decision‑maker involved in B2B deals.
Why Your Book Isn’t Selling: The Real Marketing Missteps
EPISODE 110
In this episode, Kristi Mitchell sits down with Ally Machate to unpack what happens when authors wait too long to market their books. The conversation focuses on common mistakes like prioritizing tactics over strategy, the "good book, wrong book" problem, and the critical impact of early alignment between audience, messaging, and business goals. Learn why defining your purpose and audience from the very beginning can save you time, money, and frustration—and how these takeaways apply to any marketing effort, not just publishing.
Cut the Noise – Practical Tips for Attention-Grabbing Messaging
EPISODE 107
This conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Emily Aborn centers on what to do and NOT to do when fighting for your audience’s attention in a noisy world. Learn why clarity, energy, and authenticity are essential for engaging messaging, and discover practical strategies for crafting focused content that keeps people coming back. If you’ve struggled to keep your audience engaged or wondered how to stand out amidst constant digital noise, you’ll find actionable tips and relatable stories in this episode.
From FOMO to Focus: How to Use AI Intentionally in Your Business
EPISODE 106
Explore the real-world challenges of integrating AI into marketing strategies and why a thoughtful approach matters more than ever. This conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Marisa Cali focuses on business owners rushing to adopt new AI tools without assessing alignment or having a clear strategy, leading to a sea of sameness and lost authenticity. Discover why slowing down, staying mindful of your brand’s identity, and blending human expertise with AI tools creates better, more sustainable results. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by pressure to implement the latest tech trends, these honest lessons will help.
Why Most SEO Investments Fail and How to Fix It
Episode 101
Learn about the critical importance of foundational marketing before investing in SEO. This conversation focuses on common mistakes business owners make, such as trying to drive traffic to a website that isn't ready to convert and not having a clear understanding of their target audience. We explore why content quality and consistency matter, and why setting realistic expectations for organic growth is essential for marketing success. Learn more about the value of collaborating with true SEO professionals during website setup and the benefits of treating content as a multi-channel asset.
Refreshing Your Brand: From Marketing Autopilot to Authentic Visibility
Episode 99
Join Kristi Mitchell and Rachel Allen as they share real-life lessons from years of marketing, including the struggle of marketing your own business, evolving your brand identity, and overcoming the fear of visibility. Hear how embracing authenticity, refreshing outdated strategies, and reconnecting with your network can reinvigorate your marketing efforts. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hesitant to show up as yourself in your business, this episode is for you.
When Corporate Habits Hold Back Your Marketing
Episode 98
Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, Mark Stern shares hard-won marketing lessons, mindset shifts, and the unexpected journey that led to founding Custom Box Agency. Hear candid stories of early business missteps, how listening to customers sparked product innovation, and practical advice for staying focused in a fast-changing business landscape. Discover why niching down, seeking mentorship, and tuning into your audience are crucial for long-term growth.
Avoiding Messaging Fails: Building Strategy Before Writing Copy
Episode 95
Discover the real stories behind common marketing missteps, how skipping strategy leads to wasted time and money, and why understanding your client’s language is crucial for conversion. Kristi Mitchell and Elle Rosselli discuss the dangers of relying on assumptions instead of client research, share actionable advice for building a messaging strategy, and reveal how to use authentic client conversations to drive business growth.
Stop Losing Business: Nail Your Message, Attract the Right Clients
Episode 94
Discover the real impact of messaging clarity and consistency on your business as Hersh Rephun joins Kristi Mitchell to discuss common marketing mistakes and how clarity in your message can lead to authentic growth. Learn why simply increasing visibility isn’t enough, and how ensuring consistency across all channels helps you avoid confusion and missed opportunities. Hear practical advice for aligning your brand, especially if you’re multi-passionate or transitioning roles
Why More Isn’t Always Better: Smarter Ads and Marketing Spend
Episode 91
Discover the biggest marketing mistakes business owners make when it comes to ad placement, messaging, and budget strategy. Guest Lindsey Laughlin and host Kristi Mitchell share their approach to audience-focused marketing, using real examples from client work. Learn how to avoid spreading your budget too thin, create strategic campaigns, and build lasting customer relationships. If you're tired of generic ads and want actionable advice for smarter marketing, this episode is for you.
Avoiding Expensive Marketing Mistakes: Strategy First, Tactics Second
Episode 88
Discover why so many small and midsize business owners mistake marketing activity for real strategy, and learn how to simplify your approach for sustainable growth. Kristi Mitchell and Shay Prosser share practical examples of common marketing missteps, like misaligned lead magnets and over-complicating tactics, and offer actionable advice for building strong marketing foundations rooted in clarity and intentionality. You'll walk away with tips for focusing your efforts, knowing your true audience, and when to seek expert guidance so you can avoid burnout and get better results.
From Bland to Brilliant: Transforming Your Testimonials
Episode 87
Discover why most testimonial strategies fall short and how authentic customer stories drive real business growth. Neil Carroll and Kristi Mitchell explore the hierarchy of testimonials, actionable tips for capturing impactful feedback, and methods to turn client insights into powerful marketing assets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your testimonials to the next level, this episode offers practical advice to boost trust and credibility for your business.
Why Your New Website Isn’t Getting Traffic – Common Mistakes and Solutions
Episode 84
In this episode of UNF*DGE Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell interviews Greg Mandile, a digital marketing expert with decades of web experience. They break down common misconceptions about launching a new website, especially the false belief that traffic will come automatically. Key themes include the importance of maintaining and optimizing your Google Business listing, using SEO strategies that fit your budget, and ensuring consistency across online directory listings. Greg Mandile also shares tips on vetting website providers, asking the right questions, and building a strong collaborative relationship for website success. Perfect for business owners who want actionable advice on driving real traffic and avoiding costly web mistakes.
Solving the Sales-Marketing Disconnect – Real Stories and Solutions
Episode 82
This episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing features a conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Adam Rojas about the critical need for alignment between marketing and sales teams. Key themes include the pitfalls of disconnected messaging, the importance of unified customer-centered communication, and practical strategies for fostering collaboration between internal teams and external agencies. Adam Rojas shares real-world examples from his work with founder-led and early-stage companies, highlighting how misalignment not only impedes growth but also affects customer satisfaction and delivery. Listeners will walk away with actionable advice on bridging the gap between marketing and sales, ensuring their messaging resonates from first contact to final sale.
Stop Talking About Yourself! How to Build a Client-Centric Brand
Episode 81
Join Kristi Mitchell and Kim Marie McKernan as they explore the biggest branding mistakes business owners make, why skipping brand strategy can derail all your marketing efforts, and how embracing authentic, conscious marketing leads to real results. They discuss the importance of understanding your client's perspective, the danger of chasing shiny new tactics, and the power of feedback from your best customers. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing leader, this episode is packed with practical tips to build a trustworthy, standout brand and create marketing you actually enjoy.
Simplifying Sales and Marketing – Real Talk on Process, Mindset, and Results
Episode 80
In this episode, Kristi Mitchell switches roles and becomes the guest while sales expert Brian McDonald leads the conversation. They openly discuss the challenges and lessons that come with balancing marketing and sales as a business owner. Key themes include overcoming the fear of rejection in sales, the importance of having a clear and actionable sales process, and why simply doing more isn’t always better. Listeners will get valuable insights on how to simplify both marketing and sales, create structure around follow-ups, and the power of guiding prospects toward decisions without relying on high-pressure tactics or automation.
Authentication & Deliverability: Why Your Emails Aren’t Reaching Inboxes & How to Fix It
Episode 79
Marketing strategist Kristi Mitchell talks with email marketing expert Karen Grill about the costly mistakes business owners make with email marketing, especially around email authentication and deliverability. They unpack the critical changes made by Gmail and Yahoo, discuss best practices for maintaining a clean email list, and give actionable tips for avoiding the spam folder while building trust and engagement with your subscribers. If your business relies on email for marketing or sales, this conversation is packed with must-know insights.
Finding Focus: How to Simplify Your Marketing and Get Results
Episode 77
Kristi Mitchell chats with Susan Harper, founder of Sharper Creative, about the realities of building a marketing strategy for service providers who have grown through referrals and relationships. Key themes include learning from marketing missteps, navigating the overwhelm of choosing platforms like LinkedIn, rebranding challenges, the value of repurposing content, and experimenting with creative outreach such as direct mail. Listeners will hear candid lessons about focusing on the right audience, managing bandwidth, building sustainable systems, and finding ways to stand out in a crowded attention economy.