Content Marketing School: Social Media, Video, AI, Podcast, and LinkedIn Tips for B2B Professionals, Consultants, and Entrepreneurs

124 - Essential Equipment for Video Content Creators (Most Under $100)

Send us a textUpgrading your content doesn’t require a studio, a shopping spree, or a stack of complicated tech. A few well-chosen tools can dramatically improve how your videos and audio look and sound, without blowing your budget. In this solo episode, I share the equipment I use for recording short-form videos, livestreams, and podcasts, along with practical recommendations for creators at every stage. From tripods and lighting to wireless mics and desktop gear, you’ll hear exactly what’s worth investing in, and what you can skip.Top Takeaways🔹The right tools make a difference in content quality.🔹Tripods help stabilize videos and improve viewer retention.🔹Natural light is the best lighting option for videos.🔹Investing in a good microphone is crucial for audio quality.🔹Wireless lavalier microphones are now affordable and effective.🔹Desktop microphones are essential for podcasting.🔹Logitech webcams are reliable for video recording.🔹Start with basic equipment and upgrade as needed. 🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here 📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here ********************************************* ➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel ******************************************** For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...

123 - How to Make Better Tech Decisions (Without Overspending)

Send us a text If choosing the right tech feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. The real challenge isn’t the tools — it’s knowing what actually matters. I’ve known Christopher Johnson for years, so I was delighted when he agreed to be part of the Mini Marketing Marathon. In this session, he breaks down how to make smarter, calmer tech decisions using a simple framework that helps you avoid shiny-object syndrome and focus on what actually supports your goals.Top Takeaways🔹 Tech overwhelm usually starts with the wrong question  Most people ask “What does this tool do?” instead of “What do I need this to do?” Starting with purpose changes everything.🔹 Purpose comes before features  If a tool does one or two things you need well, you’re not under-using it — even if it has 50 other features you never touch.🔹 Use what you already have  The best tool is often the one already in your hands. Phones and basic software are far more powerful than most people realize.🔹 Choose tech based on where your people are  You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be where your audience already spends time.🔹 Make tech fit your process, not the other way around  You don’t have to use every setting, option, or workflow. Simpler almost always wins.🔹 Value matters more than price  If a tool gets used and supports your goals, it’s worth the investment. If it doesn’t, return it — unused tech creates mental clutter.🔹 Test before you commit  Pilot tools whenever possible. Real-world use tells you more than reviews ever will.🔹 Go deeper with fewer tools  Mastery beats accumulation. Fewer tools, used well, reduce stress and build confidence. 🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here 📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here ********************************************* ➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel ******************************************** For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...

122 - Easy Ideas To Help You Post Content Consistently Without Burning Out

Send us a textIt's easy to post consistently on LinkedIn or any social media platform for a few weeks. or so. But maintaining that can be challenging.In this solo episode, I talk about using day-of-the-week themes to stay on track with your content creation. And provide examples to help you get started. Key Takeaways🔹People struggle with coming up with content ideas.🔹Being comfortable on camera is a common challenge.🔹Consistency is key in content creation.🔹Day of the week themes can simplify content planning.🔹Creating a series can provide a framework for content.🔹A content calendar helps in organizing posts.🔹Start with a manageable posting schedule.🔹Engage your audience with themed content.🔹Repurpose content for different platforms.🔹Planning ahead saves time in content creation.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Content Creation Strategies02:42 Day of the Week Themes for Content08:24 Creating a Content Calendar and Series10:47 Conclusion and Call to Action 🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here 📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here ********************************************* ➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel ******************************************** For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...

121 - From Blank Page to Published: The RECAP Method for Effortless Content Creation

Send us a textStaring at a blank page with no idea what to write is every content creator's nightmare. Luckily, I have a solution for you. In this solo episode, I share my RECAP method, a four-part system to streamline content creation by recording, converting, adapting, and publishing. And a few tips to use your text to create a variety of content.  Key Takeaways🔹 Recording your voice can help overcome writer's block.🔹Transcription tools like Happy Scribe can simplify content creation.🔹Creating diverse content formats can enhance audience engagement.🔹Using personal quotes in social media is more impactful than sharing others'.🔹Short-form videos are increasingly popular on platforms like LinkedIn.🔹Infographics are making a comeback in content marketing.🔹Adapting transcripts can lead to multiple content pieces.TCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Content Marketing Strategies01:18 The Recap System: Record, Convert, Adapt, Publish06:20 Creating Diverse Content from Transcripts09:06 Final Thoughts and Publishing TipsP.S. Incorporates part of an earlier Content Marketing School episode.  🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here 📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here ********************************************* ➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel ******************************************** For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...

120 - Substack 101: What You Need To Get Started and Stay Consistent

Send us a textAs more professionals shift their attention to Substack, it's becoming more essential than optional. Even if that's just opening an account to follow your favorite creators. Although I joined in July, I didn't fully embrace Substack until the end of October. In this solo episode, I share some of what I've learned over the last 30+ days to help you put the pieces together and have a smoother onboarding than I did. Key Takeaways🔹Substack is a versatile platform for content sharing.🔹Notes are quick updates that help maintain engagement.🔹Substack Live requires at least 10 in-app subscribers.🔹Notes can be text-only and are easy to create.🔹Posts can serve as a library for substantial content.🔹Mixing content types enhances audience engagement.🔹Get your name or preferred handle on Substack before it's gone. 🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here 📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here ********************************************* ➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel ******************************************** For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...