The Digital Success For Business Podcast

The New Buyer Journey in 2026 (Why Your Marketing Isn’t Converting)

In 2026, people don’t click one ad, land on one page, and buy.
They research.They scroll.They validate.They watch.They wait.
And only then do they decide.
In this episode of the Digital Success for Business Podcast, Leanne Cohens, founder of Marketing Leap breaks down how the modern buyer journey now works, why it’s no longer a straight line, and what businesses must change if they want conversions without burning money on disconnected marketing.
You’ll learn why today’s buyer journey looks more like a loop, how trust is built across multiple platforms, and how consistency — not volume — is what drives decisions in 2026.
This episode is essential for service-based businesses, consultants, coaches, and founders who want clarity instead of chaos as AI, short-form video, and social validation reshape how people buy.
What You’ll Learn
Why the buyer journey is no longer linear — and what replaces the funnel
The 7–11–4 Rule and how many touchpoints buyers actually need
How AI, search, social and validation now work together
Why showing up once no longer converts
How trust is built before a sales conversation ever happens
What your website, social content, reviews and DMs must reinforce
How to align your marketing so conversion becomes a by-product of confidence
Key Takeaway
Conversion doesn’t happen at the click — it happens at the moment of trust.
AI has changed how people find you.It hasn’t changed why they trust you.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Evolving Buyer Journey
00:46 Welcome to the Digital Success for Business Podcast
01:05 Understanding the Modern Buyer Journey
01:27 The Loop: How Buyers Discover and Decide
03:51 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing
05:25 The Human Rhythm of Client Journeys
08:06 The Role of AI and Technology in Modern Marketing
10:37 Aligning Your Marketing Strategy for 2026
14:01 Recap and Next Steps
14:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Episode
Need Help Aligning Your Buyer Journey?
If your marketing feels scattered, inconsistent, or disconnected from sales — that’s exactly what we fix at Marketing Leap.
We help business owners:
map the real buyer journey
align search, social, content, email and conversations
remove friction and hesitation
build systems that support confident decisions
➡️ Book a Strategy Session: https://marketingleap.net
 
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AI in Marketing for 2026: What to Automate vs What to Protect

AI is moving faster than most business owners can keep up with and in 2026, it will radically change how marketing is executed. But despite the hype, AI won’t replace strategy, leadership, or trust.
In this episode of the Digital Success for Business Podcast, Leanne Cohens breaks down what AI will do brilliantly for marketing in 2026, where its limits are, and how to build a human-first marketing system that scales without losing authenticity. This is a practical, grounded conversation for business owners who want clarity not chaos as AI becomes embedded in every platform.
What You’ll Learn
What AI should automate in your marketing and what must stay human
Why AI can execute brilliantly but can’t lead your strategy
How hyper-personalisation and AI agents will reshape marketing in 2026
The real risks of over-automating your message and brand voice
Where businesses lose trust by handing over too much to AI
How to use AI for efficiency without losing clarity or control
Key Quotes
“AI can execute the work — but only humans can decide the direction.”
“Your competitive edge in 2026 isn’t using AI. It’s knowing where the human still matters.”
“AI should reinforce your brand, not replace your voice.”
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Future of AI in Marketing
00:38 AI's Role in Marketing Execution
01:35 The Limits of AI in Marketing
02:10 Automation and Hyper-Personalization in 2026
03:18 AI in Content Generation and Supporting Intelligence
04:07 The Rise of AI Agents
04:45 Strategic Use of AI in Business
08:52 Practical Steps for 2026 Marketing Success
12:32 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
AI isn’t your replacement, it’s your reinforcement.But without strategy, leadership, and clear boundaries, it can dilute your message faster than it scales it.
If this episode has you realising your marketing needs clearer direction in 2026, that’s exactly what we help with at Marketing Leap. From Fractional CMO support to Done-For-You marketing systems and 90-Day Strategy Intensives, we help business owners stop guessing and start growing with clarity.
👉 Book your strategy session at https://marketingleap.net
P.S. In the next episode, we unpack the new buyer journey in 2026 — how people actually discover, validate, and decide to buy now. If you don’t understand this shift, you’ll miss both the moment and the revenue.
 
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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