The Digital Success For Business Podcast

Your 2026 Marketing Game Plan: What to Keep, Drop & Double Down On

Marketing is getting noisier. Audiences are getting smarter. Budgets are tighter.So in 2026, success isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what actually works.
In this episode of the Digital Success for Business Podcast, Leanne Cohens, Founder of Marketing Leap, walks you through how to build a clear, focused marketing game plan for 2026 by identifying what to keep, what to drop, and where to double down for real results.
Drawing on 12+ years running a digital agency and hands-on experience across finance, tech, health, manufacturing, tourism, and professional services, Leanne breaks down the patterns she sees repeatedly in businesses that grow — and those that stay stuck.
This is a strategic, no-hype episode designed to help business owners simplify their marketing, cut wasted effort, and enter 2026 with clarity instead of chaos.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The core marketing foundations that still work — and why you should protect them
The tactics draining your time, energy, and budget that need to be retired
How SEO, AI, and search behaviour are evolving in 2026 (and what actually matters now)
Where to double down for the highest ROI without corporate-sized budgets
How to simplify your tech stack, content, and follow-up systems
What winning businesses are doing differently as they head into 2026
🔑 Key Quotes to Remember
“2026 isn’t about doing more marketing — it’s about doing what actually works.”
“The businesses that grow in 2026 won’t chase trends. They’ll double down on clarity.”
“If your marketing feels overwhelming, the problem isn’t effort — it’s focus.”
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Marketing Landscape in 202600:41 Welcome to the Digital Successful Business Podcast01:25 Key Marketing Strategies for 202602:07 Foundations That Still Matter02:48 The Importance of Brand Story and Customer Understanding04:20 SEO and Search Evolution with AI06:06 The Power of Follow-Up and Email Marketing07:10 Paid Ads and Offline Integration08:26 What to Drop in 202611:34 Doubling Down on Effective Strategies15:50 Conclusion: Simplify and Amplify Your Marketing
📣 Final Takeaway + CTA
Your 2026 marketing plan doesn’t need to be complicated — it needs to be clear.
If listening to this episode has you thinking “I need help implementing this”, that’s exactly what we do at Marketing Leap.
Whether you need:
a Fractional CMO to lead strategy and execution
a Done-For-You marketing team
or a 90-Day Strategy Intensive to map your 2026 roadmap
We help businesses move from overwhelm to momentum.
👉 Learn more or book your strategy session at https://marketingleap.net
🎧 While You Relax Over Christmas Week
This episode is intentionally reflective, its a pause-and-plan listen you can come back to between Christmas and New Year as you shape your 2026 priorities.
If you enjoyed this please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingleap/YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapTwitter: https://twitter.com/marketingleapInstagram: https://instagram.com/marketingleapPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MarketingLeap/My FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DigitalSuccessWithStyle
 

The Secret to Marketing That Actually Connects

In an age where AI can generate thousands of posts in seconds, the brands breaking through aren’t the ones posting the most — they’re the ones telling the most human stories.
In this episode of the Digital Success for Business Podcast, we explore why emotional connection is still the number one driver of buying behaviour, and why storytelling outperforms even the smartest AI-generated content.Drawing on more than 30 years in business and 12 years running a digital agency, Leanne Cohens explains how human-led messaging creates trust, loyalty, and long-term visibility — and why your story is your most powerful marketing asset.
You’ll learn how to move beyond bland, informational content and start sharing stories that resonate, differentiate you from competitors, and convert your audience into long-term clients.
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, founder or service-based business owner, this episode shows you how to use human-led storytelling as a strategic advantage in 2026 ... not just a creative flourish.
What You’ll Learn / Key Takeaways:
Why emotional resonance drives the majority of buying decisions
How human stories build trust in a way AI simply can’t replicate
The psychology behind narrative-driven marketing
Why facts alone don’t sell — but stories do
The storytelling frameworks that actually work (without sounding cheesy)
Real-world client examples that transformed connection and conversions
How to make your customer the hero of the story — not your brand
The difference between informational content and emotional content
How to use storytelling across your website, socials, emails and funnels
Why consistency in your story builds long-term loyalty
What to avoid when using AI in your content creation
Key Quotes:
“Facts inform people. Stories move them.”
“Your audience won’t remember your features, but they’ll remember how your story made them feel.”
“In 2026, human-led storytelling isn’t optional — it’s the only way to cut through the noise.”
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why emotional connection drives purchasing
00:33 – Today’s episode overview
01:01 – The power of storytelling in modern marketing
01:38 – The science of emotional resonance
03:20 – Where brands go wrong with AI-generated content
04:30 – Case study: Transforming a financial services business with story
05:59 – How to apply the Hero’s Journey to your own messaging
08:40 – Building emotional loyalty beyond the first sale
11:38 – Episode wrap + next steps
If you want marketing that actually connects — and converts
At Marketing Leap, we help founders and SMEs build message-led, human-first marketing systems that generate clarity, visibility and clients.
If you’re done blending in and ready to build a brand people remember:
👉 Book Your Strategy Session https://marketingleap.net
Let’s shape your story into the strategic engine behind your business growth.
P.S. If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and subscribe on your favourite platform — and hit Subscribe on YouTube for the full video version each Saturday.
✅ Download the free Social Media Infographic for platform insights: https://marketingleap.net/resources🎯 Ready to plan your next 90 days? Book your VIP Intensive: 90-Day Roadmap: https://digitalsuccess.global/vip-planning🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://marketingleap.net/podcast
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleap

Why Podcasting Still Works in 2026: Visibility, Voice & Trust

In a world obsessed with 3-second scrolls, fleeting Reels, and AI-generated everything, podcasting has become one of the most reliable ways to build visibility and trust that actually compounds over time.In this episode, I break down why podcasting still matters in 2025 and into 2026 and how to use it as the central pillar of your marketing strategy to grow your authority, nurture leads, and move people towards your offers with confidence.
Whether you're building a brand, growing a service-based business, or trying to generate consistent leads, podcasting is the long-game strategy most founders are overlooking.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why podcasting outperforms short-form content for long-term brand growth
The psychology behind voice, connection, and trust
How podcast episodes become evergreen visibility assets
The real reason podcast listeners convert faster than social followers
How to repurpose one episode into a month of content (the Marketing Leap method)
Why “influencer culture” is dying — and why expert authority now wins
How to use your podcast as a strategic funnel, not just another channel
Key Quotes
“Your voice is your secret sauce — don’t outsource the one thing that builds real connection.”
“Trust doesn’t start at the checkout — it starts with your voice in someone’s ear.”
“Your podcast isn’t content — it’s your strategy, your sales funnel, and your authority all rolled into one.”
Episode Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction: Why podcasting is more powerful than ever01:23 — The evolution of marketing & why attention has changed02:51 — Podcast episodes as evergreen visibility assets03:53 — Your authentic voice: the real trust builder05:17 — Why podcast listeners convert faster than social followers07:03 — Repurposing: turning one episode into a month of content09:28 — The shift from influencers → experts10:37 — Final thoughts: building a brand that lasts
Podcasting works because it gives you what social media can’t: time, trust, and deep connection. If you're ready to turn your ideas into influence — and build a content engine that supports your entire marketing strategy — Marketing Leap can help.
👉 Book your Strategy Session: https://marketingleap.netLet’s build the visibility, systems, and authority your business deserves.
P.S. If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and subscribe on your favourite platform — and hit Subscribe on YouTube for the full video version each Saturday.
✅ Download the free Social Media Infographic for platform insights: https://marketingleap.net/resources🎯 Ready to plan your next 90 days? Book your VIP Intensive: 90-Day Roadmap: https://digitalsuccess.global/vip-planning🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://marketingleap.net/podcast
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle 
 

Win More Buyers This Christmas with Smart Social Strategy

The countdown to Christmas isn’t just about decorations and deadlines — it’s about strategy.
In this episode of Digital Success for Business, Leanne Cohens, Founder of Marketing Leap, shares how changing buyer behaviour across generations is reshaping holiday marketing. From Gen Z discovering products on TikTok to Gen X relying on Facebook, Leanne explains how to meet your audience where they are and plan your most profitable Christmas campaign yet.
What You’ll Learn
How Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X shop and make decisions differently this Christmas
Why discovery now starts on TikTok and Instagram ... not Google
How to align your social content, ads, and funnels for each generation
The right way to prepare for Black Friday and Christmas promotions
How to finish the year strong with strategy, not stress
Key Quotes
“If you’re throwing up posts hoping for last-minute sales, you’ve already lost the race.”
“Connection is the new conversion — and that starts long before the checkout page.”
“You don’t need more content; you need the right content at the right time for the right people.”
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: The New Christmas Countdown00:10 – Generational Shopping Trends02:21 – Understanding the Shift in Buyer Behaviour04:27 – The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing07:47 – Effective Paid Ad Strategies09:29 – Preparing for the Holiday Season10:54 – Strategy Over Stress: How to Plan Ahead
The end of the year isn’t the time to scramble — it’s the time to strategise.Whether you’re a service-based business or an eCommerce brand, success this Christmas starts with clarity, connection, and consistency.
✅ Download the free Social Media Infographic for platform insights: https://marketingleap.net/resources🎯 Ready to plan your next 90 days? Book your VIP Intensive: 90-Day Roadmap: https://digitalsuccess.global/vip-planning🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://marketingleap.net/podcast
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle  
 

Smart Funnels, Real People: Using AI Without Losing Trust

AI can start the conversation — but only you can keep it human.In this episode, Leanne Cohens shares how to use conversational AI tools like ManyChat and Meta Messaging to enhance connection instead of replacing it. Learn how to design trust-led funnels that sound like you, build genuine relationships, and automate with empathy and intention.
What You’ll Learn
• The right way to use conversational AI tools like ManyChat & Meta Messaging• The four trust-killing mistakes most brands make with automation — and how to fix them• How to make your chatbot feel like an extension of your brand voice• When to hand over from bot → human for higher conversions• How to create a lead-gen funnel that builds connection and credibility
Key Quotes
“AI isn’t your voice — it’s your assistant.”
“Automation should enhance the human experience, not replace it.”
“If your AI messages don’t sound like you, they won’t build trust.”
Timestamps
00 : 00 – Introduction: Why “human-first” automation wins01 : 12 – The right way to use conversational AI tools03 : 19 – Four mistakes killing trust in automation05 : 55 – Practical steps to integrate AI into your funnels08 : 04 – AI as your digital assistant, not your voice10 : 38 – Closing: Human connection > tech perfection
Overview
Smart funnels don’t just automate — they connect.If you’re ready to build marketing systems that work while you sleep — without sounding robotic — Marketing Leap can help.We design trust-led funnels, email sequences, and AI workflows that sound like you and convert with clarity.👉 Book your strategy session → www.marketingleap.net
 
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
Want to learn more?
https://marketingleap.net/https://marketingleap.net/marketing-resources/https://marketingleap.net/contact-marketing-leap/
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle  

Why Human Connection Is the Secret to Long-Term Success

Overnight success is a myth. In this episode, Leanne Cohens, Founder of Marketing Leap, shares the real story behind building sustainable marketing success. From handing out flyers at Pacific Fair to rebranding a global company and creating Marketing Leap, Leanne reflects on the timeless principles that have stood the test of time: consistency, clarity, and human connection.
You’ll hear personal lessons, client stories, and practical insights on how to play the long game — no gimmicks, no hype — just authentic marketing that compounds over time and creates lasting results.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why “overnight success” is a myth (and how to build real momentum)✅ The three habits that keep your marketing working year after year✅ How trust, relationships & consistency create lasting results✅ Lessons from Leanne’s early ventures in beauty & retail — and how they shaped Marketing Leap✅ The simple mindset shift to stop one-off campaigns and start long-term growth
Key Quotes
“Marketing that actually works isn’t about chasing the next shiny thing — it’s about playing the long game.”
“The tools might change from flyers to Facebook, but the fundamentals stay the same: trust, clarity, and connection.”
“Real marketing success doesn’t come from hacks — it comes from habits.”
Timestamps
00:00 The Myth of Overnight Success
01:13 Core Marketing Principles
02:02 The Long Game in Marketing
04:06 Lessons from Past Experiences
06:00 Adapting to Change
06:32 Advice for New Marketers
08:55 The Importance of Consistency
09:46 Case Study: Financial Services
10:37 Conclusion & Next Steps
Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. The brands that win aren’t the ones chasing trends — they’re the ones that show up with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
If you’re ready to stop the “start-and-stop” chaos and build a marketing system that compounds over time, that’s what we do here at Marketing Leap.
👉 Book your VIP Intensive: 90-Day Content Roadmap → marketingleap.net/vip-planning
 
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
Want to learn more?
https://marketingleap.net/https://marketingleap.net/marketing-resources/https://marketingleap.net/contact-marketing-leap/
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle  

Funnel Leaks Exposed: How to Convert the Leads You Already Have.

Funnels fail not at the start but between steps — this episode shows you how to fix funnel leaks and convert more leads.
Most business owners don’t have a lead generation problem — they have a follow-up, nurture, or conversion problem. If your marketing stops at the click, you don’t have a funnel… you’ve got a leaky pipe.
In this episode, I share how to fix the gaps that are costing you clients. You’ll learn how to follow up faster, nurture smarter, and use tools like ManyChat and Meta’s AI messaging to boost conversions without losing the human touch.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why most funnels fail between the steps, not at the start
The 5 most common leak points — and how to fix them
How to use AI messaging + automation to support (not replace) your strategy
Real client examples: VanLife DIY Fitouts, Cloud Coders, financial services
The one shift that makes automation a competitive advantage in 2025
Why nurture and follow-up matter more than chasing “more leads”
Key Quotes
“Visibility gets attention, but nurture builds trust.”
“If your marketing ends at the opt-in, you don’t have a funnel — you have a guessing game.”
“AI can accelerate connection, but it can’t replace strategy or human relevance.”
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Identifying the real problem01:10 – The importance of follow-up and nurture03:17 – Building effective funnels06:46 – Leveraging AI and automation09:39 – Practical tips for immediate improvement12:29 – Conclusion: Humanising your marketing
Most businesses don’t need more leads. They need better systems to nurture and convert the leads they already have.
If you’re ready to stop wasting opportunities and want a funnel that works end-to-end, Marketing Leap can help.👉 Book your VIP Intensive: 90-Day Content Roadmap → marketingleap.net/vip-planning
 
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
Want to learn more?
https://marketingleap.net/https://marketingleap.net/marketing-resources/https://marketingleap.net/contact-marketing-leap/
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle  
 

Stand Out with Human Content: Build Trust and Influence in an AI World

With AI content flooding every platform, standing out is no longer about visibility—it’s about credibility. In this episode, Leanne uncovers how to build lasting trust and influence in a world saturated with machine-made marketing.
You'll learn why human-first content matters more than ever, how to close the trust gap created by AI, and the exact strategies that help real businesses grow their influence by being real.
✅ What You’ll Learn / Key Takeaways:
Why speed isn’t the same as connection in today’s content landscape
The trust gap created by AI-generated sameness—and how to close it
How to humanise your brand with lived experience, tone, and storytelling
The power of consistent, real messaging in building influence
Client examples showing how raw, relatable content outperforms polish
How to use AI tools without sounding like one
Key Quotes:
“AI can write the words, but you bring the meaning.”
“Trust isn’t built with logos and taglines anymore—it’s built through voice, personality, and perspective.”
“Connection will always outperform cleverness.”
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: The AI Content Revolution
01:13 – The Trust Gap in AI-Generated Content
02:41 – Building Real Influence with Authenticity
03:40 – Human-Centered Marketing Strategies
04:53 – Case Studies: Real Stories, Real Impact
08:02 – Recap and Key Takeaways
09:09 – Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
Tired of sounding like everyone else online?In a world where AI can generate endless content, your power lies in showing up with purpose and personality. If you're ready to stop chasing visibility and start earning trust and influence with content that connects — let's build a brand that feels as real as it is remarkable.👉 Book a Strategy Session at marketingleap.net and start creating marketing that moves people.
About The Host: Leanne Cohens is the Digital Success Coach and owner of the agency Marketing LEAP. With over 25 years of experience as a marketer and over 30 years as a business owner, Leanne helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven marketing strategies.
Want to learn more?
https://marketingleap.net/https://marketingleap.net/marketing-resources/https://marketingleap.net/contact-marketing-leap/
If you enjoyed this, please Subscribe & Take the Marketing Leap today!
Let's Connect:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MarketingLeapLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-leap YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMarketingLeapInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marketingleap/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingleapMy FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitalsuccesswithstyle