Time to Thrive - Marketing Strategies For Small Business
Time to Thrive delivers tactical, practical and results-driven marketing ideas, strategies and resources designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs ready to grow. Hosted by Bethany Meadows, president of Vertical Solutions Media for over 17 years, the show draws on real-world experience from leading a full-service marketing agency based in Birmingham, Alabama.
From building a brand that stands out to crafting content that connects and implementing growth strategies that work, Bethany shares proven approaches to help you stop treading water and start moving forward.
Get out of survival mode—it’s your TIME TO THRIVE!
Discover free resources, marketing training, and strategy coaching for business owners at www.TimeToThriveInBusiness.com.
Time to Thrive - Marketing Strategies For Small Business
Building a Digital Presence That Converts (Rich Brooks)
In this episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with Rich Brooks, founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast and conference. With nearly three decades of digital marketing expertise, Rich unpacks what it really takes to create a digital presence that not only attracts attention—but actually converts.
From the early days of dial-up to the AI-driven landscape of today, Rich shares tried-and-true strategies for small business owners to get results online without breaking the bank. Discover why content marketing remains king, how to choose the right platforms, and what most businesses are missing when it comes to lead generation and SEO. Plus, you'll hear practical tips on how to make your website your best salesperson—even if you're just starting out.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by tech or trying to figure out your next marketing move, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and a few laughs along the way.
🎯 Topics covered:
- Building a website that drives results
- The underrated power of SEO (and how to get started)
- Why "set it and forget it" doesn’t work for lead generation
- Creating content that actually builds trust
- How to stay human in a world full of AI
If you're a small business owner ready to cut through the noise and start seeing real traction online, this is your episode.
00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ridge Brooks
00:38 Random Question: Qualities of a Great Parent
01:31 Digital Marketing Strategies: Then and Now
03:52 Starting Digital Marketing on a Small Budget
05:39 The Role of Social Media in Digital Marketing
10:30 Effective Lead Generation Tips
13:45 SEO Strategies for Small Businesses
18:43 Adapting to Market Shifts and AI
19:46 Leveraging AI for Marketing
20:44 Embracing Change and Authenticity
22:09 Conversion Optimization Strategies
22:43 Building Trust and Authority
26:00 The Role of Social Proof
29:58 Balancing AI and Human Touch
34:45 Remarkability in Business
37:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.