The Kee To Growth – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Ellen Rohr, the owner and founder of Zoom Drain Franchising, and a brand ambassador for ServiceTitan. Ellen shares her unique journey from founding a franchise to becoming a pivotal part of ServiceTitan's ambassador program. The conversation highlights the importance of effective marketing strategies and explores Ellen's natural marketing acumen, even though she is best known for her expertise in finance and simplifying business operations.

Ellen discusses how marketing played a crucial role in her success, despite not being her primary focus. She shares insights into how community engagement and leveraging local events can be powerful marketing tools. Ellen emphasizes the significance of visibility, mentioning how she used creative methods to market her business in a small town by actively participating in community events and turning them into marketing opportunities.

The episode also delves into two time-tested marketing strategies that Ellen believes will always work if executed properly. She discusses how creating genuine community connections and leveraging personal customer stories can drive business growth. Ellen shares anecdotes from her own experiences in the trades industry, illustrating the impact of personalized marketing on brand reputation and customer trust.

As the conversation unfolds, Ellen reveals her latest endeavor, World of Titans, an initiative by ServiceTitan aimed at supporting tradespeople globally, starting with an event in Australia. She highlights the importance of collaboration and community in expanding business reach. Throughout the episode, Jen and Ellen explore how different facets of marketing intertwine, offering a treasure trove of insights for listeners looking to elevate their marketing game.

00:00 Ellen's Surprising Marketing Impact

03:43 Yellow Pages Nostalgia and Marketing Insights

06:30 Reinventing Relevance at ServiceTitan

11:49 Effective Low-Cost Marketing Strategies

13:54 Focus Areas for Business Maturity

16:28 Community Appreciation Through Social Good

20:09 Marketing Visibility and Authenticity Insight

22:34 Networking Beyond Social Media

25:41 Creative Customer Engagement Idea

29:07 Low-Budget Solutions for Success

33:39 Collaborative Marketing Partnership Brilliance

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! 

👉 Join Ellen at ServiceTitan’s Australia Edition! She will be leading the Budgeting & Planning Workshop alongside Tom Howard. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/WorldofTitansAU  

Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Angie Snow and Laura to explore the journey and success of Western Heating and Air. Angie Snow, a previous owner of Western Heating and Air, shares the evolution of the company from its inception to its growth under her leadership. Angie and her husband took over the company in 2007 when it was primarily relying on word-of-mouth and yellow page listings. Over time, they transitioned to a more modern approach with the help of an online marketing coach who helped enhance their online presence and social media strategy. Angie describes the importance of having a matching URL with their company name, which was a pivotal moment in aligning their brand identity.

Laura, the mastermind behind Western Heating and Air's social media presence, shares her insights on building a robust community online. She discusses her transition from Main Street Heating and Cooling to Western and how she navigated maintaining her audience during the rebranding. Laura emphasizes the role of authenticity in connecting with her audience and the impacts of sharing her genuine passion for the industry. Her unique approach included engaging with the local community and promoting local businesses, which helped build a strong following. The episode showcases the significant benefits of leveraging social media for building business relationships and community ties.

Jen highlights the importance of building a genuine relationship with customers and how it can differentiate your brand from competitors. Both Angie and Laura emphasize the power of personal branding and the advantages it provides when customers already know, like, and trust the business. The episode offers valuable insights into crafting a successful marketing strategy that incorporates social media engagement, community involvement, and personal connection. Listeners will come away with actionable techniques for enhancing their business's presence online and offline.

Join them as they uncover the strategies and challenges faced in the journey of turning Western Heating and Air into a successful business, including the significance of community engagement and how personalization is key to growth. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their trades business marketing strategy.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Mismatched Branding Strategy Struggles

05:15 Learning Business Through Experience

08:10 Supporting The Emily Effect Initiative

11:28 Company Merger Based on Shared Values

15:57 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Content Creation

16:34 "Relatable Homeowner Humor"

20:01 Local Audience Over Viral Reach

24:45 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome on Camera

26:46 Branding Challenges and Measurement Limits

31:00 Building Authentic Relationships Marketing

32:38 "Share Your Social Handles"

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Khadija J Head, the Chief Leadership Officer of Georgia's oldest and most experienced black-owned plumbing company. Khadija shares her incredible journey from being a Division 1 women's basketball coach to joining her family's business in Southwest Atlanta. She details how her past experiences in sports have influenced her leadership style and her approach to marketing within the trade industry. Khadija's story highlights the value of pivoting and leveraging diverse skill sets to drive business success. The conversation dives into the marketing strategies that have propelled Khadija's company, Heads Plumbing, forward. Jen and Khadija discuss the evolution from traditional marketing like Yellow Pages to embracing digital platforms to create strong community connections. Khadija emphasizes the importance of branding and representation, sharing the significance of their company's rebrand to proudly showcase their heritage and leadership within the industry. She also reflects on the impact of social media in telling their story and positioning plumbing as a modern and technologically advanced trade. Khadija and Jen also discuss the vital role of community involvement and relationship-building in marketing. By strategically creating partnerships and leveraging audiences, Khadija has been able to expand her company's reach and bring in new customers. She provides insights into targeting the right market segments and the importance of being seen in the right spaces to grow their business. Throughout the episode, Khadija offers invaluable advice for businesses looking to define their market narrative and build a strong brand reputation. She shares her vision for the future of Heads Plumbing and how other trade service companies can achieve similar growth by staying true to their identity while embracing innovative marketing techniques.

Timestamps: 00:30 - Welcome and introduction of Khadija J Head

 00:52 - Khadija's background and introduction to Heads Plumbing

03:09 - Khadija's journey from basketball to plumbing

04:45 - Initial marketing strategies of Heads Plumbing

06:46 - Branding and the significance of the logo rebrand

10:14 - Raising awareness about diversity in the trades

12:44 - Social media tactics and the trade's modern face

16:03 - Impact of partnerships and leveraging audiences

18:47 - Strategies for targeting market segments

22:23 - Community involvement and upcoming initiatives

26:15 - The key to marketing success

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand!

Connect with Jen on Facebook:   / jennifer.hartman.73   or LinkedIn:   / jen-mckee-72114824  

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links?
Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player. The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades.

Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled

Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this engaging episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee is joined by guests Cassie Pound and Kailee McCrary from Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The conversation kicks off with introductions and sets the stage for an insightful discussion about how to grow a trades business beyond the conventional approaches. Cassie expands on her journey from managing marketing herself to recognizing the need for Kailee's expertise in driving their marketing efforts. They top it off with the importance of finding the right talent to address marketing bottlenecks for business growth.

Delving deeper into their dynamics, Cassie and Kailee share the innovative strategies that have catapulted their company into success. From starting a billboard campaign that celebrated local milestones by putting people's faces on billboards to embracing a disruptive radio campaign that featured their beloved shop dogs, the duo walks us through their ideas for creating a cohesive brand across various marketing platforms. These marketing initiatives serve as excellent examples of out-of-the-box thinking that resonate with their community and elevate their company’s visibility.

As the conversation unfolds, Kailee discusses the key aspects of her role as a Director of Marketing and reflects on her favorite project: fostering vibrant social media engagement with their team and community. Her dedication is clearly visible in the polished execution of the brand’s vision. Cassie emphasizes the significance of mentorship and timing in scaling their marketing operations, crediting her collaboration with Kailee as a cornerstone of their company's brand success. They both highlight the crucial elements of trust and culture in promoting an environment that encourages creativity and forward-thinking.

The episode wraps up with a glimpse into their podcast initiative aimed at connecting and supporting local business owners in Tulsa. Cassie and Kailee's enthusiasm and commitment to community engagement extend to their podcast, offering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities for other small business owners. Jen acknowledges the impactful journey of both guests and invites listeners to explore more resources through various social media connections and podcasts.

Timestamps: 

[00:00:00] Introduction by Jen McKee 

[00:00:49] Guest introductions and marketing roles

 [00:02:08] Recognizing bottlenecks and hiring Kailee 

[00:03:11] Community engagement and marketing consistency

 [00:05:57] Balancing work with community events 

[00:08:54] Innovative billboard campaign success 

[00:12:46] Unique radio campaign featuring shop dogs 

[00:18:28] Favorite projects and achievements in marketing

 [00:23:03] Creating the Tulsa Talks Business podcast 

[00:24:47] Implementing out-of-the-box marketing strategies

 [00:27:07] Exploring additional marketing insights

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this engaging episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes guests Texas Medley and Ryan Vandenberg to explore the dynamic world of marketing and business strategy. This episode offers a deep dive into the shift from traditional high production value content to more casual, smartphone-recorded videos for social media. Ryan Vandenberg shares insights on how producing content with immediate value to viewers, without elaborate scripts or setups, has proven to be a better return on investment. As the team continues to test various formats, they are looking forward to releasing new content upon concluding their current "medley hunt" campaign.

Texas Medley shares his authentic and personal approach to business and marketing, emphasizing transparency and the importance of fostering a brand that clients can truly connect with. Although not focused on becoming an influencer, Medley's vision is supported by his company's culture and alignment, indirectly benefiting the business. The episode further explores the contrasting yet complementary dynamics between Medley’s creative spontaneity and Vandenberg's strategic methodology.

Together, they discuss strategies like focusing on high-end production for TV spots and landing pages, which help differentiate their brand. This approach not only elevates perceived quality but also serves long-term growth objectives, with the goal being steady progress rather than rapid expansion to a $50 million business by 2025. The conversation touches on the importance of content that is both shareable and memorable and how intentionality plays a crucial role in their content creation.

One notable example is the effective use of a simple concept video about a $39 service, as opposed to ineffective methods like stock footage and photos. Meanwhile, Ryan highlights their pivot towards niche marketing strategies, particularly focusing on engaging specific communities like disc golf to build brand loyalty. The hosts close the episode by reflecting on the authenticity required in marketing and how essential it is to offer genuine value rather than chasing superficial trends or quick wins.

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction to the Kee to Growth podcast and guests Texas Medley and Ryan Vandenberg 

02:20 Discussing the shift from high production value content to casual social media videos 

06:45 Texas Medley’s approach to transparency and personal branding 

12:30 Strategies for releasing content post "medley hunt" campaign 

15:50 The complementary dynamics between Medley's creativity and Vandenberg's strategy 

20:10 Importance of high-end production for TV and landing page differentiation 

24:00 Creating memorable and shareable content with intentionality 

28:40 Effective use of simple concept videos over stock footage 

32:50 Niche marketing strategies and exploring community engagement 

36:15 The role of authenticity in successful marketing strategies 

40:00 Closing remarks with insights on future marketing plans

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee 

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Learn more about our guests:

Texas Medley & Medley Heating & Air Conditioning

Website: www.callmedley.com

Find them on social media: Medley Heating And Air Conditioning Plumbing Rive Media

Website: www.rivemedia.com

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Amber McKee to unpack the secrets to creating a successful marketing plan for home service businesses. With a wealth of experience in trades marketing, Amber shares her journey from starting at Goettl, a company she helped grow from $10 million to $240 million in revenue, to founding Amber's Marketing Group, where she now assists companies in strategizing and implementing effective marketing operations.

Amber delves into her strategies for setting achievable business goals and backing them into detailed plans for operational and marketing success. She emphasizes the importance of aligning operational capabilities with marketing efforts, highlighting the integration of goals and marketing strategies with call centers and business managers. Throughout the discussion, Amber provides actionable insights on crafting plans that match the capacity to run calls, market size, and ZIP code targeting for maximum return on investment.

Jen and Amber explore the impact of social media and branding in trades marketing, emphasizing the significance of both organic and paid strategies. Amber elucidates the differences between organic, boosted, and paid social media tactics, advising companies on how to utilize these platforms effectively without overspending on inefficacious marketing methods. They discuss the role of social media in recruitment, brand positioning, and customer acquisition, and how to determine the right mix of digital and traditional marketing strategies based on a company’s specific goals and market conditions.

As they dive into topics like budgeting, ROI measurement, and seasonal trends, Amber stresses the importance of dynamic marketing plans that allow for frequent pivoting based on data and outcomes. The conversation also shines a light on the critical role of maintaining a healthy marketing budget percentage and leveraging emerging channels like YouTube and OTT for targeted reach. Amber closes with her philosophy of marrying a business's "why" with market demands and ensuring consistent work through planned marketing, affecting positive employee and community outcomes.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction by Announcer and Jen McKee

0:30 Jen McKee welcomes guest Amber McKee

0:59 Amber's background and journey in marketing

2:36 The silver bullet for Goettl's success

4:00 Key strategies for trade companies in competitive markets

5:12 Importance of alignment between marketing and operations

6:16 Determining the right mix of traditional and digital marketing

8:35 Targeting local markets through social media

11:09 Building a marketing plan and timeline discussions

13:06 Importance of leads and new customer acquisition

16:41 Crafting a business's 'why' and its importance in marketing

18:26 Amber talks about budget percentages in marketing

20:31 Handling seasons and marketing adjustments

23:33 New marketing trends and areas of focus

25:30 The responsibility of marketers in trades

27:09 Wrap-up and ways to reach Amber's Marketing Group

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Josh Roberts, the owner of an air conditioning and duct cleaning business in Vero Beach, Florida. Together, they delve into intelligent strategies to maintain business momentum during the slow season, emphasizing the importance of early planning. Josh shares the approach of focusing on initiatives like membership contests and advance appointments beginning in May to keep the business steady from November through March. The conversation highlights how converting maintenance visits into service opportunities keeps each interaction financially viable and ensures continuous engagement with clientele.

Josh informs listeners about the power of the "Go High Level" platform to manage and convert leads, even months after initial contact. Drawing from both Jen’s personal experience and Josh’s practice, they emphasize the long-term power of branding and the significance of branded calls, leading to more effortless conversions and higher customer trust and loyalty. Josh recounts how his marketing strategy evolved from Facebook ads to Google Ads, gaining insights from experimentation while emphasizing the critical role of an efficient lead follow-up process. This strategy involved improving booking rates by dedicating personnel to handle incoming leads, and apparently, prioritizing calling over texting led to a significant jump in booking percentages.

In detailing his marketing journey, Josh underscores the importance of data-driven strategies, utilizing tools like Searchlight, and tracking numbers for efficiency. He shares his insights and initial skepticism about radio marketing, describing the decision to cancel but then restart campaigns due to a noticeable drop in Google My Business (GMB) traffic. His interest in the distinct Wizard of Ads approaches speaks to the potential for enhancing said marketing strategies. Jen shares an intriguing take on Wizard of Ads, whose personalized campaigns can work magic for clients and foster memorable engagement.

Another focal point of the episode is the dynamic approach to community engagement through home shows, monthly charity events, and strategic giveaways, which create substantial traction and support in the local community. Josh explains his evolving strategies, from shifting focus to social media channels due to a decline in Google performance to participating less in community events by prioritizing the most beneficial ones. Apart from these, the duo discusses the importance of hiring specialized marketing professionals, emphasizing how open communication with agencies across different channels optimizes marketing efforts.

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Consistency in Advertising Fuels Business Growth

04:37 Deciding the Right Time for Investment

07:18 Refining Event Participation Strategy

11:08 Strategizing for Slow Season Success

12:55 "Marketing Strategies: Immediate and Long-Term Focus"

15:47 Dedicated Team Boosts Lead Conversion Rates Significantly

19:11 Oracle's Influence on GMV: Unexpected Insights

22:10 Targeted Middle-Tier Ad Strategy on Social Media

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee 

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by:

- Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Stephanie Postell, the co-owner and COO of Anchor Heating and Air in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephanie shares her journey in the HVAC industry, highlighting the crucial role that social media, particularly TikTok, has played in building a strong company presence and culture. From recruiting talent like technician Brandon, who was impressed by the company's TikTok presence, to establishing a unique brand identity, Stephanie outlines how leveraging platforms beyond direct sales can benefit business visibility and recruitment.

Stephanie delves into her experience with hiring and recruiting, emphasizing the importance of finding the right cultural fit within the company. She shares the story of hiring Brandon, whose resume was circulated in Facebook groups. His familiarity with Anchor Heating and Air through TikTok presented an excellent fit for their culture. Stephanie highlights the impact of social media on recruitment efforts, demonstrating its value beyond typical sales funnels.

The discussion also covers key business strategies for entrepreneurs, focusing on maximizing free resources to enhance community engagement and branding. Stephanie advises new entrepreneurs to be proactive and diligent in their efforts, especially when growing a company from the ground up. By being actively present in the community and participating in events authentically, businesses can build lasting relationships that benefit brand recognition and customer engagement. Stephanie discusses the importance of understanding and conveying a business's story, linking it to core values such as the "Pearl Promise" and "Captain's Club."

The conversation touches upon marketing strategies and challenges, specifically the importance of traditional and guerrilla marketing post-pandemic. Stephanie emphasizes being present and active in the community, participating in local events, and supporting educational institutions to gain visibility and trust. She notes the significance of branding and the contribution of their branding consultant, Dan Antonelli, in helping to create a credible and trustworthy brand image from the start. Stephanie shares her approach to active engagement rather than simple financial sponsorships, showing genuine community involvement that translates into business opportunities.

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Passionate about being Anchor's marketing manager.

04:32 Excited for your success; share initial strategies?

06:41 Industry friends, vision, faith inspired company name.

10:19 Customer experience is key to effective marketing.

15:19 Guerrilla marketing builds relationships, leverages social media.

19:20 "Own your elementary school for community involvement."

20:01 Supporting local schools through donations and sponsorships.

24:26 Prefers strategic growth over risky investments.

28:42 Local radio preferred; values local events involvement.

29:59 Community connection drives Anchor's supportive growth strategy.

32:50 Discussing ROI and measuring community/social media impact.

38:35 Optimize free resources; develop a cohesive story.

39:17 Advocate for startups, emphasize community leverage.

42:38 Grateful, excited, and endorsing Jen's opportunities.

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee 

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of The Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Ryan Redding, founder of Levergy, a full-service digital agency serving trade businesses across the US and Canada. Ryan shares his insights on the complexities of marketing in the trades industry, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, effective marketing requires a comprehensive approach involving branding, customer service, and creating a quality customer experience. Ryan stresses the importance of understanding customer needs and preferences, using a relatable piano lesson metaphor to illustrate that businesses should focus on meeting specific customer requirements rather than simply competing with each other.

Ryan provides valuable insights into improving Google's presence, highlighting four main options: AdWords, Google Local Services, Google Maps, and organic search results. He recommends starting with a Google Business Profile for enhanced visibility and encourages the collection of customer reviews. The episode also explores the significance of content strategy in digital marketing. Ryan discusses Google's Helpful Content Update, which prioritizes unique, user-focused content. He advises that businesses produce informative and engaging content that genuinely adds value to the customer's experience, noting the impact of content strategy across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Moreover, Ryan delves into integrating PR and social media to enhance marketing efforts, citing Ripley PR as a successful example. He underscores the importance of starting with a compelling 'why' to attract quality employees and align business goals. The episode showcases Eco Plumbers and its CEO as a case study in creating a large, motivating vision that draws high-caliber employees. Ryan passionately discusses the necessity of having a purpose beyond monetary gain, reminding entrepreneurs to look deeper into their motivations and aspirations rather than merely focusing on financial success.

Additionally, the discussion touches upon selective partnerships, exemplified by Levergy's approach to working with high-performing clients willing to invest in themselves. Ryan also addresses the role of personal branding and social media despite his personal reservations as an introvert. He acknowledges their strategic benefits in building trust and business alliances. The conversation wraps up with insights into consumer decision-making, highlighting successful marketing strategies and brand loyalty exemplified by companies like Apple and Buc-ee's. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers listeners valuable marketing strategies for growth in the trades industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 I accidentally entered trades while consulting businesses.

04:36 Marketing success relies on addressing customer emotions.

06:29 Start with the customer for effective branding.

11:16 Google prioritizes helpful, human-first content now.

12:30 Organic ranking impacts map pack and platforms.

16:18 Train AI with your unique business knowledge.

19:02 Chosen company due to persistent marketing presence.

25:09 Impact of personal branding for business owners.

26:06 Dislikes social media, sees necessity in it.

29:27 Engaging campaign boosting connections and business KPIs.

33:24 Interviews with successful tradespeople about business strategies.

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, hosted by Jen McKee. Dive into the world of home service marketing as we unlock the secrets of building multimillion-dollar brands in trades like plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, garage doors, and beyond. Whether you are a business owner, a marketer, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes action in this industry, this episode sets the stage for transforming your business's approach to social media and marketing.

Jen McKee, owner of Kee Hart Marketing, shares her journey and the experiences that led her to launch this podcast. Her agency specializes in social media marketing for home service providers across the US and Canada, helping them stand out and scale in competitive markets. Having won multiple American Marketing Awards and recognized as AHR 40 under 40 in 2024, Jen aims to shift the spotlight from her achievements to yours. This episode is all about empowering your brand's growth through strategic insights, personal branding, and effective social media presence.

In this kickoff episode, Jen offers a valuable piece of advice to jumpstart your marketing strategy—focus on visibility. Many home service businesses make the mistake of concentrating solely on conversions without first building a recognizable and trustworthy brand. Visibility is essential, achieved through consistent organic content that positions you as the go-to expert in your field. It's not about going viral; it's about making a sustainable impact through consistency, value, and relatability. Additionally, Jen teases the format of future episodes, promising engaging conversations with top marketers and business owners who will share their real-world strategies, successes, and even their failures.

Prepare to gain insights from the brightest minds in the trade services industry as the Kee to Growth podcast unfolds. Each week, Jen will host discussions with industry leaders to explore what's working in their marketing, their creative campaigns, and how they're achieving significant growth. Whether you're just beginning or aiming to scale, the content will be rich with lessons on personal branding, community involvement, and standing out in your market. Don't miss out on the latest episodes—hit subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with peers ready to elevate their marketing game. Join Jen McKee on this exciting journey of discovery and growth for your business.

Time Stamps:

[00:00:02] Introduction to Kee to Growth podcast

[00:00:36] About Jen McKee and Kee Hart Marketing 

[00:01:19] Strategies for business growth and social media insights

[00:02:20] Importance of visibility in marketing

[00:03:14] What to expect in upcoming episodes

[00:03:57] Conclusion and call to action

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/