The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I was delighted to be interviewed by Dan O’Donoghue.  Dan is a business development specialist with over 20 years experience in helping businesses grow sustainably and strategically.

We talked about my journey, the fire that was lit in me when a teacher said “I wasn’t as smart as my friends”, and how that same determination is what drives me now.

We talked about my passion… using traditional marketing concepts to drive business growth on social media. 

You’ll hear:

• Why social media isn’t just about awareness
• Why content creators and business owners have very different goals
• The one thing you need to get right before posting anything on social media
• Why “just using AI” isn’t enough
• The difference between posting and having a system
• Why clarity always comes before confidence

Join Louise LIVE on her upcoming 2026 Social Selling Masterclass and discover how to use social media to generate consistent leads and sales in 2026

Date: Wednesday, 10th December 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET (New York) / 8:00 PM GMT (Dublin/London)

SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I spoke with Ashley Leeds, known as “The 15-Minute Guy”, who helps business owners use LinkedIn to build genuine visibility without spending hours online. Ashley shared how he went from other fields into becoming a LinkedIn coach helping professionals show up confidently and consistently.

If you’re struggling to post on LinkedIn, unsure what to share, or feel it takes too much time, this episode will give you a simple and practical approach to building your brand the right way.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why consistency beats perfection on LinkedIn
✅ How to create engaging posts that reflect who you are
✅ Why overthinking stops people from showing up
✅ The power of commenting and engagement in building trust
✅ How to manage time and still stay visible online

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn 

🎁 Check out Ashley’s free gift: 15-Minute LinkedIn Makeover Checklist

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, Louise talks with Allyson Machate, bestselling author and publishing consultant who has worked with Simon & Schuster.

Ally shares how to write, publish, and market a book that aligns with your business. She explains why many authors write the wrong book, how to avoid that mistake, and how to use AI tools without losing your voice. She also introduces her course, Don't Write the Wrong Book, to help you get started.

You’ll learn:
✅ What makes a book the wrong one
✅ How to choose the right book for your goals
✅ Using AI in writing without sounding robotic
✅ Common publishing mistakes to avoid

If you want to write a book that works for your business, this episode is for you.

SHOW CHAPTERS
 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 00:29 Ali Machete's Journey into Publishing
 01:34 From Simon & Schuster to Freelancing
 03:05 Helping Authors Publish the Right Book
 04:27 Examples of Writing the Wrong Book
 08:22 Strategies for Writing the Right Book
 14:06 Types of Nonfiction Books
 22:08 Impact of AI on Publishing
 28:03 Final Takeaways

Connect with Ally:
LinkedIn

Join her free webinar training, Don’t Write the Wrong Book, where she walks through a step-by-step process for writing a book that supports your goals.

👉 Register here

She also offers a free book strategy call for aspiring authors via her website: thewritersally.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Kimberly Weitkamp, a marketing strategist, podcaster, coach, and host of the More Conversations, Clients, and Cash podcast.

Kimberly helps coaches and service providers create content that connects and converts. She combines proven copywriting techniques with AI to help business owners drive more sales and leads.

We talk about what makes good copy work, how to get started with AI without sounding robotic, and why strategy still comes first.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ Practical tips for writing persuasive copy that sounds like you
 ✅ AI tools that help you write faster without losing your voice
 ✅ How to use automation while keeping your marketing human
 ✅ Why you still need a clear strategy behind every piece of content
 ✅ Where to start if you want to save time without cutting corners

If you’re creating emails, sales pages, or social content and want to do it better and faster, this episode is for you.

SHOW CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Kimberly Weitkamp
00:55 Kimberly's Journey into Copywriting
02:15 Embracing AI in Copywriting
04:18 Tips for Writing Persuasive Copy
05:54 Favorite AI Tools for Copywriting
09:42 Maximizing Productivity with AI
15:31 The Importance of Strategy in AI-Powered Marketing
17:47 Free Guide and Upcoming Challenge
20:08 Final Takeaways

Connect with Kimberly:
LinkedIn

Join the 3-day Live Challenge : AI-Powered Lead Gen & Sales for Coaches with Kimberly Weitkamp

This is a great way to get hands-on with using AI in your content and marketing strategy. 👉 SIGN UP HERE

Also, don’t miss out on this as Kimberly is giving away her free guide that walks you through five easy ways to start using AI in your business. It’s built for coaches and service providers who want to save time, write better and grow faster.
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Lisa Bloom, professional storyteller, coach, and author of three bestsellers, including Seven Stories That Sell.

Lisa has helped thousands of business owners use storytelling to build trust, stand out, and drive more sales. We explore how telling the right stories in the right way makes selling easier and more authentic.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ The 7 types of stories that help you sell
 ✅ How to use personal stories to build trust and connection
 ✅ How to test your story so it resonates with the right audience
 ✅ Why storytelling is a key differentiator in an AI-driven world
 ✅ How to use AI as a support tool, not a replacement, for your voice

If you want your marketing and sales to feel more human and more effective, you’ll get lots of ideas from this conversation.

SHOW CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:33 Lisa Bloom’s Books and Storytelling Journey
03:45 The Power of Authentic Stories
07:16 Seven Stories That Sell
09:13 Storytelling in Business and Personal Connection
12:00 Testing and Tailoring Your Story
18:31 Leveraging AI in Storytelling
20:23 Final Takeaways

Connect with Lisa:
LinkedIn

Lisa is running a free Story Selling Workshop at three different times, between June 11-13, and I think it’ll be brilliant.

If you’re tired of writing posts, running webinars, or pitching on calls and feel like it’s not landing...this workshop is for you!

SIGN UP HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Jay Fairbrother, a mastermind strategist who’s helped hundreds of coaches scale with high-ticket masterminds.

With 30+ years of experience, Jay shares how masterminds 10x’d his business and became a lifeline during tough times. We dive into the power of real connection, business resilience, and scalable offers that truly transform.

What you’ll learn:
 ✅ What real masterminds are (and why most miss the mark)
 ✅ How to build one without a big audience
 ✅ The magic of exclusivity + peer learning
 ✅ Why human connection wins in the AI era
 ✅ How to shift from time-for-money to recurring revenue

If you’re ready to create a high-impact offer, stop trading time for money, and build a community that supports transformation…don’t miss this one.

SHOW CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:05 Jay’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Turning Point
02:15 The Mastermind That Saved His Business and Life
03:10 What a Mastermind Actually Is (vs. Group Coaching)
04:30 The Importance of Real Relationships and Peer Learning
05:45 Different Formats and Why Hybrid Models Work
07:00 Nailing Your Niche and Attracting the Right Members
08:35 Success Story: Crafting Clear Messaging with “7X” Positioning
10:30 Moving From Lower-Ticket Offers to High-Ticket Masterminds
11:45 The Problem with the “Ascension Ladder” Model
13:10 Who Should Join and Launch a Mastermind and Why It Works
15:30 Post-Covid Business Loneliness and the Need for Connection
16:40 Why Human Connection Is the New Currency
18:00 Jay’s Mastermind Bootcamp: What to Expect
20:00 Where to Connect with Jay Online

Connect with Jay!
LinkedIn

If you need help building your own mastermind...

Join Jay's Upcoming 3-day Virtual Mastermind Bootcamp

🗓️ June 24–26

SIGN UP HERE

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Debbie Allen, one of the highest paid speakers in the world, and an internationally recognized market positioning expert who has built and sold multiple million-dollar businesses.

At 19, she bought into her family’s business...now she’s spoken in 28 countries. We chat about what it takes to stand out in saturated markets and turn your expertise into income.

Debbie talks about how to create speaking topics that SELL, help you identify your ideal target market that will pay you top dollar, and share valuable resources to help you launch your professional speaking business.

This conversation is packed with honest, practical strategies, perfect for coaches, consultants, speakers, or anyone ready to shift from 1:1 hustle to scalable, expert-led business models.

You’ll also learn:
 ✅ Why paid speaking isn’t always the best path and what to do instead
 ✅ How to reverse engineer your offers to drive sales
 ✅ The #1 mistake people make when selling from stage
 ✅ Why now is the time to double down on live events
 ✅ How to build brand authority and use social as your virtual stage

Whether you want to book more stages, host your own events, or finally position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche…this episode will show you how to do it the smart, strategic way.

SHOW CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Debbie Allen
00:43 Debbie's Entrepreneurial Journey
03:24 Transition to the Speaking Business
04:10 Mastering Market Positioning
05:51 Secrets of Speaking and Selling from the Stage
10:43 Leveraging Social Media and Live Events
12:57 Common Mistakes and Trends in Speaking
17:05 Debbie's Gift and Final Thoughts

Connect with Debbie!
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieallenspeaker/

Grab your FREE COPY of her latest bestselling book Expert Positioning HERE!

FREE MASTERCLASS - I highly recommend checking out her free event:

Paid Speaker Marketing Machine with Debbie Allen

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful lead generation systems in your marketing toolbox.

Social media isn’t about the most followers, it’s about an engaged, ready-to-buy audience. The best way to build that? An email list powered by smart, strategic lead magnets.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ The two things every successful lead magnet must do
✅ How to tailor your lead magnet for cold vs warm audiences
✅ The 5 lead magnet types that consistently deliver results
✅ Why a discovery call might be the last thing you offer
✅ How to make sure your freebie leads directly to your paid offer

SHOW CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction: Why lead magnets matter more than followers
00:42 – What makes a great lead magnet (and what most people get wrong)
01:18 – Cold vs Warm Audiences: What it means and why it matters
02:55 – 3 Questions to ask before choosing a lead magnet
04:12 – Lead Magnet Idea #1: The Cheat Sheet
05:00 – Lead Magnet Idea #2: The Quiz
05:46 – Lead Magnet Idea #3: The Guide
06:35 – Lead Magnet Idea #4: The Webinar or Masterclass
07:40 – Lead Magnet Idea #5: The Discovery Call
08:40 – Final Thoughts: Is your lead magnet working for you or against you?

If you’d like deeper support with this topic, come and join my free LIVE masterclass this May 14th:  Turn Your Social Media Time Into Sales… 10x Faster with ChatGPT 

🗓️ Live Masterclass | May 14th | 3PM ET / 8PM BST
🎁 Live attendees get a BONUS: ChatGPT Buyer Persona Builder

You'll walk away with:
✔ A clear, repeatable sales system
✔ Proven ChatGPT prompts to save hours
✔ Total clarity on what works (no more guessing)

 👉 Save your spot here!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Bobby Power, publisher of Go Wild Magazine, who shares how to leverage both print and digital media to boost your brand visibility.

From his journey in traditional newspaper sales to building a thriving regional magazine business, Bobby reveals why print is far from dead, and how combining it with digital can supercharge your marketing strategy.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 ✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make with print ads, and how to fix them
 ✅ How to craft press releases that actually get published
 ✅ Why print still matters in a digital-first world
 ✅ How to blend print with social media for broader reach
 ✅ The right way to pitch your business story to journalists

If you're ready to increase brand awareness, get featured in the media, and attract new opportunities, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

SHOW CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome and Intro
00:25 Guest Introduction: Bobby Power
00:46 Bobby's Journey into Publishing
02:23 The Value of Print Media in a Digital World
03:29 Common Mistakes in Print Advertising
06:25 Crafting a Newsworthy Press Release
10:17 Leveraging Social Media for Press Coverage
11:59 Tips and Contact Information
14:06 Final Takeaways

Connect with Bobby:
LinkedIn 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Lorna Lyons, a positive psychology expert and entrepreneur, to talk about building a sustainable, profitable business without chasing vanity metrics.

We’re diving into:
 ✅ How positive psychology can help you manage mental well-being while growing on social media
 ✅ Why engagement matters more than going viral—and how to attract the right audience
 ✅ The recurring revenue model—how to create a profitable membership without burnout
 ✅ The power of storytelling and why an email list is your biggest asset in long-term success

If you’re tired of constantly chasing new clients and want to build consistent, predictable income, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now & grab your free toolkit
👉 https://artisanal-hustler-4980.kit.com/0e6038aabf 

SHOW CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome and Intro
00:21 Guest Introduction: Lorna Lyons 
00:51 Lorna's Journey from Teaching to Business 
02:09 Positive Psychology and Social Media 
04:04 Audience Growth vs. Vanity Metrics 
11:03 Creating Recurring Revenue through Memberships 
15:15 Social Media Strategies and Trends 
18:56 Final Takeaways and Free Toolkit

Connect with Lorna Lyons:
LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!

If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/hello

My 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025.

Grab your copy now on Amazon!
Amazon UK
...