Common Pitfalls in Small Business Marketing

Keywords:  digital marketing, book writing, small business, marketing mistakes, SEO, content creation, entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, business development, online presence, self-publishing, children's books, marketing, writing, podcasting, Italian culture, pizza, entrepreneurship, book promotion, storytelling Summary:  In this episode, Mitch Beinhaker interviews Erica D'Arcangelo, a seasoned digital marketer with over 20 years of experience. They discuss the evolution of digital marketing, common mistakes made by small business owners, and the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. Erica shares her journey from working in healthcare marketing to running three successful agencies and highlights the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Additionally, they delve into Erica's book, 'A Story About Pizza,' which reflects on her family's history and the impact of marketing on small businesses. In this conversation, Erica D'Arcangelo shares her journey from marketing professional to self-published author, discussing the challenges and successes of her first book and her new children's book series. She emphasizes the importance of marketing in the publishing process and the role of storytelling in connecting with audiences. Erica also introduces her podcast, 'Pizza Story Podcast,' where she explores Italian culture and the stories behind family-owned pizzerias. Takeaways Digital marketing is crucial for sales and business development. Erica has over 20 years of experience in digital marketing. The evolution of technology has changed marketing strategies. Small business owners often underestimate the effort required for success. Common marketing mistakes include outdated websites and poor SEO practices. Consistency in marketing is key to achieving results. Content creation should be relevant and regular to engage audiences. Building trust with clients is essential for successful marketing. Erica's book reflects her family's history and the importance of storytelling. Marketing requires ongoing maintenance and adaptation to changes. Erica self-published her first book after 20 years in marketing. Her book became a bestseller in the Italian history category. She is now working on a 12-book children's series about pizza. The first book in the series is titled 'P.H.O. Pizza.' Erica's podcast features interviews with family-owned pizzerias. Marketing a book requires a plan established well before publication. Outlining and storyboarding are crucial for writing a book. AI can assist in the writing process by providing structure. Writing a book takes time and dedication. Establishing an online presence is key for authors. Titles Mastering Digital Marketing: Insights from Erica D'Arcangelo The Journey of a Digital Marketer: Erica D'Arcangelo's Story From Healthcare to Marketing: Erica's 20-Year Journey Common Pitfalls in Small Business Marketing Sound Bites "It's an evolution of technology." "I published a 12 book children's series." "The podcast is called Pizza Story Podcast." "You need a marketing plan." "Outlining and storyboarding is essential." "AI is really good for providing guides." "It's going to take time to write a book." "You can interview people anywhere." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing and Book Writing 03:36 Erica's Journey in Digital Marketing 06:01 The Evolution of Marketing and Technology 09:22 Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners 11:30 Common Marketing Mistakes and Solutions 15:11 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing 19:12 Erica's Book: A Story About Pizza 25:46 The Journey to Self-Publishing 30:59 Creating a Children's Book Series 36:49 The Art of Writing and Marketing a Book