Meta just announced its boldest move yet: fully AI-generated ads across Facebook and Instagram by 2026. On today’s episode, I’m joined by retired marketing professor and leadership coach Dr. Lori Feldman to unpack what this means for small business owners, marketers, and agencies alike. We explore how Meta’s Advantage AI tools are already helping businesses optimize performance—but at what cost?

As Meta tightens its grip on data and decision-making, concerns around transparency, creative control, and bias are growing. Will small businesses benefit from automation, or become even more dependent on a walled garden they can’t see into?

We break down what’s changing, what you need to watch for, and how to stay ahead of the curve in a world where ad creation may soon require little more than an image and a budget.

Papillon Leadership Coaching

LinkedIn

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Kristina Doukas, Director of Marketing at Swap-o-Rama flea markets, reveals how small business owners and side hustlers can turn weekend booths into serious revenue. From choosing products that actually sell to setting up a booth that draws a crowd, Kristin shares proven strategies that help vendors stand out and boost their bottom line.

Learn the most common mistakes new sellers make, the hidden tricks veteran vendors use to increase foot traffic, and how social media can amplify your flea market presence. Whether you’re launching a business or looking for your next growth channel, this conversation delivers actionable tips you can use right away.

Shop-O-Rama

LinkedIn

Instagram

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Virtual influencers are digital personas. Some are powered by AI, others curated by creative teams designed to look, sound, and behave like real people. They’re now getting brand deals, hosting live events, and attracting millions of followers. But why are they so effective? And how can small businesses learn from their rise and use them for their own brands?

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If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.

Want to make every checkout more profitable? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we reveal seven powerful strategies to lift your average order value—using real-world examples from small businesses that saw immediate results. From clever pricing frameworks to targeted promotions and checkout enhancements, you’ll get actionable steps to implement right away. Tune in to discover how a few smart adjustments can delight your customers, boost your revenue per sale, and transform your bottom line. Don’t miss these simple yet impactful ways to sell more.

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Unlock the hidden tactics driving your rivals’ success—without lifting a finger (well, almost). In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we show you how to peek behind the curtain at your competition’s secret playbook. From the ads they swear by to the emails, pages, and loyalty tricks that keep their customers coming back, you’ll learn clever, ethical ways to adapt proven strategies for your own brand. Tune in and turn their winning moves into your next breakthrough.

Search Facebook Ads Library For Competitors

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If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.

Tired of bloated marketing plans that go nowhere? In “Three Lever Minimalist Marketing Playbook,” Brittany Downey explains why most businesses spend too much time on tactics that don’t produce results. She reveals how focusing on three core levers can unlock real growth, why clarity matters more than complexity, and how to strip away the noise from your strategy. Tune in for practical guidance that shows you how to do less, achieve more, and build lasting momentum.

Downey Strategy

LinkedIn

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If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.

Summer brings warm weather and longer days—but for many small businesses, it can also bring unpredictable foot traffic and shifting consumer priorities. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we unpack proven tactics to turn the dog days of summer into your busiest season yet. We’ll walk through real-world examples and by the end of this episode, you’ll have eight new ideas for standing out in a crowded summer marketplace. Finally, you can heat up your sales even when things cool down elsewhere. Tune in for actionable tips you can implement today and get ready to make this your best summer yet.

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If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we debunk the myth that buyer personas start and end with age, gender, or location. Instead, we explore how understanding your ideal customer’s behaviors—where they consume content, what pain points drive them, and their decision triggers—leads to more effective marketing. We share real-world success stories and outline a clear, step-by-step framework for building behavioral avatars: defining media habits, mapping pain points, and designing offers that resonate. Tune in to redefine your customer profiles and boost engagement, conversions, and ROI.

1. Channels and Platforms

2. Content Format

3. Timing and Frequency

1. Top Frustrations

2. Emotional Drivers

3. Decision Triggers

1. Pre-purchase Behaviors

2. Decision Criteria

3. Post-purchase Behaviors

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Mastering Local Marketing – Website

Instagram – @MasteringLocalMarketing

YouTube – @MasteringLocalMarketing

If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.