Marketing and Margaritas

The marketing podcast helping entrepreneurs start up and scale up with actionable and profitable advice.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 22 min
Are Online Courses Dead? Why Paid Challenges Are the Future of Digital Products
Has AI killed the traditional online course? With information now instantly available through platforms like ChatGPT and Claude, customers are no longer willing to pay thousands of dollars for another collection of videos and modules they may never finish. They do not just want more information, they want a clear result, personalised support and accountability to help them implement it. In this episode of Marketing & Margaritas, Maddi and Ruby unpack the rise of paid challenges and why this increasingly popular offer model could be the future of digital products. Using the viral Yap Challenge as an example, they explore how creators and service providers are transforming traditional courses into live, time-bound experiences that promise a specific result in a shorter period of time. Whether you already sell a course, are developing a digital product or want to create a more scalable offer, this episode will help you rethink how you package your expertise and deliver better results for your customers.
July 23 · 27 min
Black Friday Is Coming: Here's What to Start Planning Now
In this episode, we're talking about Black Friday NOW and for good reason. The brands that win the biggest sales weekend of the year don't start planning in October; they start months in advance. We break down exactly what ecommerce brands should be doing now to maximise revenue, reduce ad costs, and avoid the last-minute scramble. From choosing the right offer to warming up your audiences and planning your email marketing, this episode is your Black Friday planning checklist. When to launch your Black Friday campaign (and why waiting is risky) How to choose an offer that actually converts Whether to run a sitewide discount, tiered offer or gift with purchase How to use your stock levels to influence your promotion Why you should analyse your competitors before planning your sale How to build warm audiences with organic content and paid ads Why top-of-funnel Meta ads are critical before November How to prepare for higher advertising costs during Black Friday Why improving your email sender reputation now matters How to stand out when everyone's inbox is full If you want this year's Black Friday to outperform last year's, this episode will help you build the strategy before the busiest shopping season begins. Let us know what questions you have around Black Friday: https://www.instagram.com/marketingandmargaritas_/
July 14 · 25 min
Instagram Growth Strategies That Actually Work
Instagram is changing faster than ever, and the strategies that worked last year won't necessarily grow your brand today. In this episode of Marketing & Margaritas, we're here to unpack six Instagram strategies that are driving real results in 2026. From the rise of Yap videos and Trial Reels to why caption SEO has replaced hashtags, we explore how brands can increase their reach, build genuine engagement, and stay ahead of the algorithm. In this episode, we cover: • Why Yap videos are outperforming overly polished content • How to create authentic content that builds trust and converts • Why replies matter more than likes on Instagram Stories • The shift from hashtags to Instagram SEO • How Trial Reels can help you reach brand-new audiences • Why relying on Instagram alone is risky—and where you should be showing up instead Whether you're trying to increase engagement, improve your Instagram strategy, or build a stronger social media presence, this episode will help you understand what's working now and where Instagram is heading next.
July 10 · 28 min
Rapid Response: Your Marketing Questions, Answered Fast!
It’s time for Rapid Response, where we answer your marketing questions completely unfiltered and off the cuff. We put up a question box on Instagram, you asked your questions, and now we’re giving you our raw, unprepared thoughts. From strategies that work to industry hot takes, this is the no-fluff, real-talk episode you didn’t know you needed. Follow us on Instagram to ensure you don’t miss our next Rapid Fire question box.
July 2 · 29 min
New Quarter, New Marketing Strategies. What We're Working On This Financial Year For Our Clients
You all love these episodes! Ruby and Maddi breakdown their core focuses for Q3 and the new financial year including; Improving reach Paid ad funnels Webinar funnels Black Friday and more!
June 25 · 23 min
Meta Ads Are Down… Now What? How Smart Brands Survive A Performance Slump
We're backkkk and Ruby has some exciting news to share! With rising CPAs, unpredictable performance, EOFY pressure, and global uncertainty impacting consumer behaviour — a lot of brands are asking the same question right now: “What do we do when Meta stops working?” In this episode of Marketing & Margaritas, Maddi breaks down why the worst thing you can do during a performance dip is panic, switch everything off and disappear. Instead, we’re talking about the moves smart ecommerce brands make when paid ads get tough, from shifting towards efficiency campaigns, refining creative strategy, leaning into your best sellers, strengthening email marketing and exploring channels beyond Meta. We cover: 🍸 When to pull back budget vs when to hold steady 🍸 How to adjust campaigns using cost caps and ROAS goals 🍸 Why creative cadence still matters (and what creative to prioritise) 🍸 Using organic content as your testing ground 🍸 Building revenue channels outside of Meta — TikTok, Pinterest, Google & beyond 🍸 Creating offers that drive sales without damaging your brand 🍸 Why offline activations, community and sampling still matter Because the reality is: if one bad month on Meta can collapse your business, Meta isn’t the problem; your marketing ecosystem is.
May 18 · 17 min
Master the Art of Hooks: 3 Layers to Capture Attention
Most marketers/business owners are wasting precious opportunities because they’re missing the true power of an effective hook. If your content isn’t passing the first 3 seconds in the attention game, all your effort may be wasted. But what if you could flip the script and craft hooks that instantly stop scrolls and makes you sales? In this episode, Maddi dives into the psychology and mechanics behind irresistible hooks that do more than just catch the eye, they open the information gap that keeps your audience watching. You’ll discover how to leverage a three-layer hook system; text, visuals, and sound that aligns around a core emotional trigger. Maddi reveals the three-point hook formula: pattern interrupt, angle, and curiosity loop, crafted to create content that is impossible to ignore. Whether you’re a creator, business owner, or marketer, understanding the three-layer hook framework and how to use data-driven insights will transform your reach and impact. Unlock our subscriber only episodes here.
May 13 · 12 min
Instagram’s New Reels Insights Explained: What Your Skip Rate Is Really Telling You
Instagram has quietly rolled out new Reels insights and they could completely change the way you create content. In this episode of Marketing & Margaritas, we break down Instagram’s latest analytics update, including skip rate, share rate, save rate, reposts, comments and what these metrics actually mean for your reach. We dive into: Why skip rate is now one of the most important metrics to watch What your Reels insights are secretly telling you Why people are scrolling past your content in the first 3 seconds How to create stronger hooks that stop the scroll The biggest mistakes business owners make with Instagram Reels The difference between top, middle and bottom funnel content How to improve your reach without posting more
May 8 · 21 min
Margi Hour: How To Reach New People With Organic Instagram
Today's Margi Hour is from Aurora; "Hey girls how can I reach new people with organic IG? Right now I am just reaching the same people and it feels pointless?" Want a question answered on the podcast? Jump into our Instagram DMS @marketingandmargaritas_
May 1 · 23 min
What We’re Doing for Clients Right Now (Marketing Strategies That Are Working)
Forget theory — this is what’s working right now. We’re unpacking the exact strategies we’re implementing across our client accounts, from landing page testing and quiz funnels to the small tweaks that are driving big results. If you want a real look at what’s happening inside a marketing agency / consultancy business (and what you should be doing too), this episode is for you.
March 31 · 16 min
Rapid Response: Your Marketing Questions, Answered Fast!
It’s time for Rapid Response, where we answer your marketing questions completely unfiltered and off the cuff. We put up a question box on Instagram, you asked your questions, and now we’re giving you our raw, unprepared thoughts. From strategies that work to industry hot takes, this is the no-fluff, real-talk episode you didn’t know you needed. Follow us on Instagram to ensure you don't miss our next Rapid Fire question box.
March 24 · 24 min
Mastering Meta: What’s Actually Working Right Now (Backed by Data & Real Accounts)
In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what’s working on Meta right now, not just theory, but what we’re seeing inside real ad accounts at MADE. Marketing, backed by industry benchmark data. From the shift to micro persona targeting to the creative formats actually driving conversions, this episode is your go-to if you want to get more out of your ad spend in 2026. We cover: Why micro personas are unlocking scale (and how to structure your ad sets) The top-performing creative formats right now (and the ones falling flat) How to approach UGC in 2026 (hint: it’s evolved, not dead) The hooks driving conversions — from urgency to curiosity and bold claims Real insights from benchmark data vs what we’re seeing inside the agency How many creatives you actually need to be testing each week If your ads aren’t performing like they used to, this is the episode that will show you what to change.
March 18 · 27 min
Dupes.... But For Programs
We’ve all seen the rise of dupes in fashion and beauty… but now it’s happening in business. From calendar apps to course builders and memberships — there’s a cheaper version of almost everything. In this episode, we're breaking down the truth about buying lower-cost alternatives to premium programs and when it’s a smart move vs. when it’s a shortcut that slows you down. If you’ve ever debated whether to invest big or go budget, this episode will help you make the decision with clarity (and confidence).
March 13 · 16 min
Email List Not Converting? The Real Reasons Your Subscribers Aren't Buying
If you've got an email list but your subscribers just aren't buying, you're not alone - and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode we're getting honest about why so many business owners are sitting on an email list that looks great on paper and converts almost nobody in reality. We break down the three real reasons your list has gone cold. From inconsistent sending habits to misaligned lead magnets to the silent killer that is only showing up to sell, this episode is the diagnosis your email marketing has been missing. No gatekeeping, no fluff - just the truth about what's actually going on and the categories of fixes that exist so you know exactly where to start. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. The full step-by-step fix, including a complete 7-day re-engagement sequence is waiting for you in this week's paid episode.
March 3 · 31 min
The Meta Breakdown Effect: Why Your 'Best Performing' Ads Might Be Getting Less Budget (And Why That's Actually Good)
[Subscriber Only Teaser] Enjoy a sneak peek into Maddi's paid episode. Ever wonder why Meta spends more budget on your "worse performing" ads and placements? In this episode, I break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in Meta advertising - the breakdown effect. You'll discover why that Instagram Stories placement with a $6 CPA is getting 80% of your budget while Facebook Feed with a $3 CPA gets almost nothing, and why turning off the "expensive" placement would actually hurt your results. I'll walk you through Meta's official documentation on how their algorithm really works, share real examples of when NOT to optimise your campaigns, and give you a complete framework for making smart optimisation decisions. Plus, I'll reveal the creative sequencing factor that most advertisers miss - why some ads are designed to lose money so others can be profitable. Whether you're constantly second-guessing the algorithm's budget distribution or making optimisation decisions based on breakdown data, this episode will completely change how you manage your Meta campaigns. Book a Meta Clarity Call here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/wSpy1dJyvcJyAcPbDtQ2 Follow Maddi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made_creativeco/
February 19 · 31 min
How To Use Instagram Stories For Business in 2026
If you're not using Instagram Stories strategically, you're missing your warmest, most ready-to-buy audience every single day. In this episode, Ruby breaks down exactly why Stories are non-negotiable for business owners, why they're the best place on Instagram to actually make sales, and how to get more people watching them. Plus, she shares the four content pillars you need to be rotating through and the Story styles that are working right now. Whether you're just getting started with Stories or you've been posting randomly and hoping for the best, this episode will give you a clear, actionable framework to turn your Stories into a sales tool that works every single day. Connect with us on socials: @marketingandmargaritas_ @ruby.consutants
January 5 · 18 min
Mastering Meta: Strategies for Success In 2026
In this episode of the Marketing and Margaritas podcast, Ruby and Maddi discuss the evolving landscape of advertising in 2026, focusing on the importance of organic-looking ads, creative diversity, and understanding Meta's algorithm. They emphasise the need for brands to adapt their strategies to succeed in a competitive market, highlighting the significance of testing and iteration in ad campaigns.
Dec 30, 2025 · 14 min
Margi Hour: Should You Specialise In Organic Or Paid Marketing
On today’s episode, we answer Christie’s lovely voice note about working in marketing and whether it’s possible to specialise in both paid and organic social. Ruby and Maddi share their own journeys, and how niching down has benefited their businesses in the long run. If you want a question answered on the podcast, be sure to send us a DM over on Instagram @marketingandmargaritas_
Dec 18, 2025 · 34 min
What To Expect In Marketing For 2026
we’re looking ahead to 2026 and breaking down the key marketing trends you need to know. From shifting consumer behaviours to emerging content styles, we’ll explore the strategies that will help you stay competitive in the year ahead. If you’re planning your 2026 or just want to be prepared for what’s coming, this episode offers practical insights for next year's marketing. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/marketingandmargaritas_/
Dec 9, 2025 · 19 min
Attracting Clients & Customers Who Actually Want To Pay You
Struggling to attract clients who actually want to pay you? In this episode, we break down what really drives buying decisions and why “feeling salesy” isn’t part of the process. Learn how to clarify your message, attract aligned clients, and turn your content into a magnet for the people who are READY to invest.

Marketing and Margaritas

Are Online Courses Dead? Why Paid Challenges Are the Future of Digital Products

Black Friday Is Coming: Here's What to Start Planning Now

Instagram Growth Strategies That Actually Work

Rapid Response: Your Marketing Questions, Answered Fast!

New Quarter, New Marketing Strategies. What We're Working On This Financial Year For Our Clients

Meta Ads Are Down… Now What? How Smart Brands Survive A Performance Slump

Master the Art of Hooks: 3 Layers to Capture Attention

Instagram’s New Reels Insights Explained: What Your Skip Rate Is Really Telling You

Margi Hour: How To Reach New People With Organic Instagram

What We’re Doing for Clients Right Now (Marketing Strategies That Are Working)

Rapid Response: Your Marketing Questions, Answered Fast!

Mastering Meta: What’s Actually Working Right Now (Backed by Data & Real Accounts)

Dupes.... But For Programs

Email List Not Converting? The Real Reasons Your Subscribers Aren't Buying

The Meta Breakdown Effect: Why Your 'Best Performing' Ads Might Be Getting Less Budget (And Why That's Actually Good)

How To Use Instagram Stories For Business in 2026

Mastering Meta: Strategies for Success In 2026

Margi Hour: Should You Specialise In Organic Or Paid Marketing

What To Expect In Marketing For 2026

Attracting Clients & Customers Who Actually Want To Pay You