Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business?

Do You Have to Be an Influencer to Succeed?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need to be an influencer to grow my business?” — you’re not alone. We hear this question all the time from service providers and business owners just starting out. It’s a big one. And the short answer? Nope, you don’t. But let’s break it down.

Why Video Still Matters (Even If You’re Camera-Shy)

In today’s marketing world, video is key. That doesn’t mean you need to be dancing on Reels or going viral every week. But people want to see real humans doing real things. That could be you—or someone else showing your product or service. Even faceless videos with voiceovers can build connection and trust.

The truth is, video gives your audience context. A clip of your product in use or someone sharing how your service helped them? That goes way further than just a static image.

What If I Hate Being on Camera?

We get it. Not everyone wants to be the face of their brand. And that’s okay! You can still create content that connects. Here are a few ways:

  • Use a voiceover with B-roll footage (your hands, your desk, your product)
  • Ask a friend or happy client to create a video for you (hello, UGC!)
  • Do a camera-facing video using a teleprompter app like BigVu—it makes things way easier

Just like learning to drive to a new place, showing up online feels awkward at first. But it gets easier the more you do it. You don’t need to post every day—you just need to start.

Pick the Type of Marketing That Lights You Up

If Instagram makes you cringe, try podcasting. If writing’s your jam, lean into blogging. You get to choose. Your only job is to make sure people can find you, and feel connected when they do.

And don’t forget: you can reuse content. One blog post can become a week’s worth of Reels. One client video can be repurposed across your site, email, and Pinterest. Content is a tool—use it in a way that works for you.

You’re Not a Full-Time Creator—You’re a Business Owner

At the end of the day, you’re not trying to go viral—you’re trying to get leads and grow your business. Influencer-style marketing isn’t required. But creating helpful, relatable, or inspiring content? That’s non-negotiable.

If your goal is connection, sales, and growth… then yes, you need content. But no, you don’t need to be an influencer.

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28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
two cell phones one with instagram and one with tiktok 28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
two cell phones one with tiktok and one with instagram 28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
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5 Ethical Marketing Tips Every Service Provider Should Know

If you’re a female entrepreneur with too little time and too many marketing tasks, you’re not alone. We help female founders turn chaos into clarity. I’m Jen Vazquez, and today, I’ll guide you through a simple yet powerful strategy using Pinterest and content repurposing. These tools will help you grow your business without working around the clock. 

1. Overcoming Marketing Overwhelm

Marketing can feel like spinning many plates. You may feel stuck, not sure what to do next or where to spend your time. The key is simplicity. Stop juggling everything and start focusing on two things that move the needle: Pinterest and repurposing your work.

2. Why Pinterest Works for Your Business

Pinterest is more than just a mood board—it’s a powerful search engine. Ideas on Pinterest live a long time. Unlike some platforms that show your post for just a few hours, a single pin can bring evergreen traffic for months. If you’re short on time, that makes it a game changer.

3. Repurpose Like a Pro

Do you have a podcast, blog, or social post? Don’t let it sit there. Turn one piece of content into many:

  • Pin graphics from your blog post
  • Short video clips from your podcast
  • Quote posts from your content. This multiplies your reach without doubling your effort.

Want help with Pinterest Marketing?

Pinterest Strategy Club (PSC) is your go-to membership for turning Pinterest into a lead-generating machine—without the overwhelm. Whether you’re just getting started or want to finally be consistent, PSC gives you monthly strategies, Pin templates, and content prompts tailored to service providers like you. If you want to grow your email list, drive more traffic, and get seen by dreamy clients—this is for you.

4. Build a Simple System

Here’s a 3‑step plan you can start today:

  1. Plan one main piece: e.g., a podcast episode.
  2. Create 3–5 pins: use Canva templates to save time.
  3. Repurpose that same content for Instagram, blog, or email.

You’ll soon have multiple platforms working for you with minimal extra work.

5. Tips to Stay Consistent

  • Batch your work: Set aside one hour weekly to plan and create.
  • Use templates: For Pinterest, blog graphics, and social media.
  • Track results: Check Pinterest analytics monthly. Double down on what works.

Conclusion

You don’t need to do it all. Focus on Pinterest + repurposing and build a simple, easy-to-manage system. Consistency + strategy = growth. Let me help you simplify your marketing—so you can grow your business without burnout.

 I was totally inspired by The Savvy CMO’s about ethical marketing.

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Grow Without Ads Using Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media
Market Your Business With Heart with Jen Vazquez Media
Ethical Marketing Tips That Work by Jen Vazquez Media
Connect With Clients Who Get You by Jen Vazquez Media
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YouTube vs. Podcasting: The Real Truth About Which One Grows Your Business Faster

YouTube vs. Podcasting The Real Truth About Which One Grows Your Business Faster on Marketing Duo Podcast Episode 24 with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

YouTube vs. Podcasting

As a business owner trying to boost your visibility, the question often comes up: should you launch a YouTube channel or start a podcast?

What if the answer is… both?

In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, Cynthia and Jen break down their real-world experience using both platforms—and why choosing just one might be limiting your reach and revenue.

Why You Don’t Need to Choose Between YouTube and Podcasting

If you’re already creating content, repurposing your audio or video can give you massive exposure with minimal extra effort.

  • Record once. Publish everywhere.
  • Audio becomes a podcast.
  • Video becomes a YouTube upload.

Some people prefer to watch. Others love to listen. Either way, you’re reaching more people with the same content.

Start Simple—You Don’t Need Fancy Gear

You don’t need a high-end mic or studio. Cynthia and Jen both started with Zoom and laptops. You can:

  • Record solo or interview-style
  • Use static images or light animation for YouTube if you’re not ready for on-camera content
  • Use the same podcast episode as your YouTube video by extracting audio or uploading the video directly

Free Pinterest Visibility Masterclass: Market Smarter, Not Harder

Struggling to get seen on Pinterest? Join my free Pinterest Visibility Masterclass and learn how to turn one piece of content into dozens of lead-generating pins that keep working around the clock. I’ll walk you through the top three mindset shifts—why Pinterest isn’t like social media, my simple one-hour-a-week workflow, and the repurposing strategy that fuels evergreen visibility. Ready to ditch the content treadmill and finally attract dream clients? Reserve your spot now!

Where Clients Are Finding You Matters

Both platforms can lead to leads—but YouTube has the advantage of searchability and SEO. Cynthia and Jen have both had clients find them through YouTube, even though their podcast was the original content. Publishing on both platforms means you’re meeting people wherever they are.

Consistency Over Perfection

  • Don’t wait for the perfect mic or branding.
  • Don’t get stuck on your name or podcast art.
  • Your content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be published.

You can always rebrand later. You can always improve your cover art or change the name. Growth only happens when you start.

What to Do If You Feel Stuck:

  • Use guest interviews to keep yourself accountable and show up consistently.
  • Use ChatGPT or other tools to brainstorm names or write descriptions.
  • Use a template or Canva design for podcast covers or video thumbnails.

Podcast or YouTube? The Final Verdict

The best strategy isn’t podcast vs. YouTube. It’s podcast and YouTube. Use both. Use them in a way that fits your time and energy right now. Start with what you can do today, and scale up later.

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Overcoming Sales Anxiety: Authentic Selling Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs with Andee Hart

Overcoming Sales Anxiety: Authentic Selling Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs with Andee Hart<br />

Sales can feel intimidating, especially for women entrepreneurs balancing creativity and business. But what if you could sell with confidence—without feeling pushy or fake? In this episode, Jen Vazquez talks with sales strategist Andee Hart of She Sells Differently, who shares how to overcome sales anxiety and sell authentically while growing your business with grace.

From Corporate to Candle Maker: Andee’s Journey

Andee Hart went from a Fortune 500 sales executive to owning her own candle company. She quickly discovered her passion wasn’t just making products—it was empowering other women to share theirs. With a heart for service and deep sales knowledge, Andee now mentors female entrepreneurs to sell with confidence.

Selling Isn’t Selfish

Many women feel uneasy about promoting their products or services. Andee reframes this fear: when you believe in your offer, you owe it to people to share it. Hiding your work helps no one.

Mindset Shift: Selling isn’t about convincing; it’s about serving.

Two Common Mistakes Female Entrepreneurs Make

Undervaluing Your Worth

Many underprice their services, believing lower prices mean more buyers. In reality, low pricing can signal low value. Andee urges women to price based on real costs, time, and worth—not fear.

“If You Build It, They Will Come” Thinking

Just having a website isn’t enough. Success requires a clear marketing and sales strategy that includes promotion, measurement, and constant refinement.

Balancing Creativity With Strategy

You can be creative and data-driven. Test different marketing methods, track performance, and pivot when needed. Trust your gut—but verify with data.

Pro Tip: Ask every client, “Where did you first hear about me?” and “What made you decide to reach out?” These two questions unlock powerful sales insights.

Pricing With Confidence

Stop guessing. Start by:

  • Calculating every cost involved (products or services).
  • Understanding your unique value.
  • Researching your market—but don’t match just to match.

Remember: lowering costs can increase profits just as much as raising prices.

Conquering Sales Anxiety

Sales gets easier with practice. Andee’s advice? It only takes 10 seconds of courage. Speak your truth, connect genuinely, and let go of the fear. The worst that happens? You learn and grow.

Following Up Is a Superpower

Only 10% of people follow up after a first contact. Yet most clients need at least seven touchpoints before making a purchase. Following up sets you apart—and builds trust.

Tip: Automate follow-ups or use a VA. Consistency wins.

Tools That Drive Sales

Andee recommends using:

  • Google Analytics to track where buyers come from.
  • Email nurture sequences that engage and ask clarifying questions.
  • Post-purchase emails asking, “Why did you decide to buy?” (great for improving your sales copy).

Growth Lessons From Andee’s Journey

  1. Lean Into Community – Business is better together.

  2. Be Open to Feedback – Even tough love helps.

  3. Rest to Grow – Simplifying and taking breaks leads to clarity and impact.

Andee’s Gift and Where To Find Her Online

GIFT:  Check out Andee’s curated list of sales tools for entrepreneurs: andeehart.com/salestools

Where to Find ANDEE:

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Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space

Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space

Empowering Visuals for an Inclusive Creative Brand

Meet Kim Gomez, the founder and creative force behind Marry Me Design Studio. Kim brings over a decade of experience as a wedding hair and makeup artist into her work, designing website templates made specifically for beauty pros in the wedding industry.

Marry Me Design Studio offers easy-to-use, SEO-friendly Squarespace templates and tools that help wedding hair and makeup artists attract dream clients without the stress of tech overwhelm. Kim’s work is grounded in inclusivity, strategy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow a service-based business in a competitive market.

Her mission is clear: to help beauty pros show up online with confidence, connect with the right clients, and build sustainable, thriving businesses—starting with a website that truly works for them

Why We Chose The Sunlight Space

When planning Kim’s brand session, we wanted a space that offered flexibility and warmth—just like her approach to design. The Sunlight Space in Northern California checked every box. It features a wide variety of backdrops, from clean white nooks to colorful textured corners, giving us the perfect canvas to capture all the facets of Kim’s brand.

The variety allowed us to showcase different looks—from editorial to everyday—while keeping everything cohesive and aligned with her brand identity.

Capturing Kim in Her Element

Our goal for the shoot was clear: highlight Kim’s personality, expertise, and everyday magicWe focused on images that showed her:

  • On her laptop and phone, engaging in real work moments
  • Celebrating with confetti for all of those celebration-type social media posts.
  • Relaxed and confident, letting her personality shine through
  • In settings that mirrored the creative environments she designs for

These photos now serve as valuable assets for Kim’s website, marketing, and social platforms—giving her content that speaks directly to her audience.

A Brand That Truly Gets You

Kim doesn’t just build websites—she builds foundations for growth. Her clients often come to her feeling overwhelmed by tech, branding, or SEO—and leave with a website that feels like home. Whether you’re a wedding hair and makeup artist, creative entrepreneur, or service provider, Kim helps you show up online in a way that feels empowering and aligned.

She’s more than a web designer—she’s a partner in your business journey.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Photos

This brand session was about more than headshots. It was about capturing the why behind the work. Kim’s commitment to equity, ease, and authentic connection shows in everything she does—and now, her brand visuals reflect that too.

If you are looking for props for your photoshoot — check out my amazon store for some of my favorites.

If you’re a wedding beauty pro looking for a website that reflects your artistry and helps you get found by the right clients—Marry Me Design Studio is built just for you!

📸 Scroll down to explore the photos from our session.

Every image tells the story of a brand built on purpose, inclusion, and impact.

Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
https://jenvazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250221BrandSocialSessionsKimBakerGomezBuzzandBloomLosAltosCASunlightSpaceJenVazquezMedia-0939.jpg
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
https://jenvazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250221BrandSocialSessionsKimBakerGomezBuzzandBloomLosAltosCASunlightSpaceJenVazquezMedia-0939.jpg
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space
https://jenvazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250221BrandSocialSessionsKimBakerGomezBuzzandBloomLosAltosCASunlightSpaceJenVazquezMedia-0939.jpg
https://jenvazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250221BrandSocialSessionsKimBakerGomezBuzzandBloomLosAltosCASunlightSpaceJenVazquezMedia-0939.jpg
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space
https://jenvazquez.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250221BrandSocialSessionsKimBakerGomezBuzzandBloomLosAltosCASunlightSpaceJenVazquezMedia-0939.jpg
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />
Brand Photography for Bay Area Web Designer | Marry Me Design Studio at The Sunlight Space<br />

Why Imperfect Action is the Secret to Podcast and YouTube Success

23 Why Imperfect Action is the Secret to Podcast and YouTube Success on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

Why Imperfect Action is the Secret to Podcast and YouTube Success

Imperfect Action: The Key to Growth in Podcasting and Business

Launching a podcast or YouTube channel can feel daunting—especially when you’re waiting for everything to be “just right.” In this episode of the Social Media Marketing Duo podcast, we dive deep into why taking imperfect action is often the fastest path to success in podcasting, video content creation, and business overall.

Starting Without a Strategy Is Okay

When you begin, you don’t need a detailed strategy, a perfect mic, or the best lighting. What you do need is action. Both podcast hosts in this episode share how they started by simply hitting “record.” The consistency came later—after hundreds of episodes, failed recordings, and a lot of learning.

Mistakes Happen: Embrace the Messy Middle

From accidentally deleting videos to dealing with low-quality guest audio, the hosts emphasize that mistakes are part of the process. And rather than hiding them, being transparent helps normalize the learning curve that every content creator goes through.

You Are the Gatekeeper of Your Platform

Whether you’re curating podcast guests or publishing video content, you get to set the rules. Both hosts have turned down episodes that didn’t align with their values—emphasizing that integrity is more important than content quantity. Respecting your audience and yourself matters more than appeasing every guest or viewer.

🎙 Ready to Launch or Level Up Your Podcast?

Your voice deserves to be heard—and shared with the right audience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed with the behind-the-scenes work, our Podcast Management service is here to help. From editing to publishing (and even promoting!), we handle it all so you can focus on showing up and shining.

👉 Learn more about Podcast Management here and let’s get your message out into the world without the stress.

The Magic of Human Connection Over Perfection

Listeners and viewers are drawn to realness. While polished content has its place, it’s often the imperfect, human moments—the unfiltered reels, the less-than-perfect lighting—that resonate most deeply. And surprisingly, this kind of content often performs better, especially on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Your Path Will Reveal Itself—But You Must Start Walking

No one has it all figured out at the start. You learn your voice, find your people, and refine your brand by showing up consistently. Action brings clarity. The path is revealed as you walk it—so start walking.

Final Thoughts: Just Start—Messy Is Better Than Not at All

If you’ve been holding back from launching a podcast or YouTube channel, waiting for everything to be “ready,” this episode is your sign to start now. Record in your cave-like corner. Speak through your jitters. You’ll be amazed at what you learn—and how far you can go.

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How to Start Creating Content Without Fear_ on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco
Podcasting Without Perfection_ on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco
Real Talk_ When Podcast Guests Don’t Align_ on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco
Why Imperfect Action Leads to Real Growth on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco
YouTube vs Podcast_ The Honest Truth_ on Marketing Duo Podcast with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco