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Essential Marketing Blogs and Podcasts to Follow
In the fast-evolving world of marketing, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and strategies is essential for success and have the insight of experts like Marketing Heaven. Following the right blogs and podcasts can provide valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiration from top industry experts. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or new to the field, these resources offer an excellent way to keep learning and stay ahead of the curve.
Here’s a list of some essential marketing blogs and podcasts that cover everything from content marketing and social media strategies to SEO and digital analytics.
Top Marketing Blogs to Follow
1. HubSpot Blog
Focus: Inbound marketing, sales, and customer service
Why Follow: HubSpot is a pioneer in inbound marketing, and its blog is a go-to resource for comprehensive guides on content marketing, SEO, email campaigns, and social media. The blog regularly covers actionable insights and strategies for building customer relationships, boosting sales, and using HubSpot’s own tools.
2. Neil Patel Blog
Focus: SEO, content marketing, and social media
Why Follow: Neil Patel, co-founder of companies like Crazy Egg and Hello Bar, is a leading voice in digital marketing. His blog is packed with expert advice on SEO and content strategies, and he frequently publishes updates on Google’s algorithm changes and other developments in digital marketing.
3. Moz Blog
Focus: SEO, digital analytics, and content strategy
Why Follow: Moz is renowned for its expertise in SEO, and its blog provides in-depth articles, guides, and case studies to help marketers navigate the intricacies of search engine optimization. Moz’s “Whiteboard Friday” series is especially popular for its clear and concise explanations of SEO topics.
4. Content Marketing Institute (CMI) Blog
Focus: Content marketing, storytelling, and audience engagement
Why Follow: CMI’s blog is dedicated entirely to content marketing, covering everything from creating a content strategy to measuring ROI. It’s an excellent resource for learning how to use content to engage audiences, build brand loyalty, and drive conversions.
5. Social Media Examiner
Focus: Social media marketing and digital engagement
Why Follow: Social Media Examiner is one of the most comprehensive resources for social media marketing. The blog provides expert tips and tactics for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. It also features news on social media updates and tools to keep marketers in the know.
6. Copyblogger
Focus: Copywriting, content creation, and digital marketing
Why Follow: Copyblogger is perfect for marketers interested in improving their content and copywriting skills. The blog covers the essentials of persuasive writing, storytelling, and creating high-impact content that drives engagement and conversions.
7. Ahrefs Blog
Focus: SEO, link building, and content marketing
Why Follow: Known for its powerful SEO tools, Ahrefs also runs an insightful blog that offers tutorials and strategies for improving search visibility, mastering keyword research, and building a solid backlink profile.
8. MarketingProfs
Focus: Marketing education, research, and career development
Why Follow: MarketingProfs offers a mix of practical advice, industry research, and trend analyses, making it a valuable resource for professional development in marketing. Their blog covers a wide range of topics, from lead generation to marketing leadership.
Top Marketing Podcasts to Follow
1. Marketing Over Coffee
Hosts: John Wall and Christopher Penn
Focus: Digital marketing, social media, and analytics
Why Listen: Recorded weekly from a coffee shop, this podcast provides a casual yet informative look at digital marketing trends and tools. The hosts discuss everything from AI in marketing to the latest SEO tactics.
2. The Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn
Host: Pat Flynn
Focus: Entrepreneurship, online business, and marketing
Why Listen: This podcast is geared towards marketers and entrepreneurs looking to build and monetize online businesses. Pat Flynn shares his personal insights and brings on industry experts to discuss tactics for content creation, digital advertising, and audience growth.
3. Call to Action by Unbounce
Host: Unbounce team
Focus: Landing pages, conversion optimization, and digital campaigns
Why Listen: Call to Action dives into the science of conversion rate optimization and how to create landing pages that convert. The podcast is packed with case studies and advice on creating high-performing campaigns.
4. The GaryVee Audio Experience
Host: Gary Vaynerchuk
Focus: Social media, branding, and entrepreneurship
Why Listen: Known for his direct style, Gary Vaynerchuk’s podcast covers a range of topics, from leveraging social media for brand building to entrepreneurial mindset. It’s a great listen for anyone looking for motivation and fresh ideas in marketing.
5. Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
Host: Amy Porterfield
Focus: Digital marketing, online courses, and email marketing
Why Listen: This podcast is ideal for small business owners and marketers looking to grow their online presence. Amy Porterfield shares actionable strategies for launching digital products, building email lists, and creating content that resonates with audiences.
6. Perpetual Traffic
Hosts: Ralph Burns and Kasim Aslam
Focus: Paid traffic, social media ads, and conversion optimization
Why Listen: This podcast focuses on strategies for driving traffic and conversions through paid advertising, primarily on platforms like Facebook and Google. It’s a valuable resource for those interested in paid media and lead generation.
7. Duct Tape Marketing
Host: John Jantsch
Focus: Small business marketing, brand building, and strategy
Why Listen: This podcast offers practical advice for small business owners, with episodes covering a range of marketing topics, including brand building, content marketing, and referral strategies.
8. Marketing School with Neil Patel and Eric Siu
Hosts: Neil Patel and Eric Siu
Focus: Digital marketing tips, SEO, and content strategies
Why Listen: Neil Patel and Eric Siu keep their episodes short and impactful, offering daily insights into different aspects of digital marketing. It’s perfect for busy professionals who want bite-sized advice.
9. The Content Strategy Podcast
Host: Kristina Halvorson
Focus: Content strategy and planning
Why Listen: Kristina Halvorson dives deep into content strategy, bringing on industry experts to discuss best practices for creating, managing, and scaling content in a way that supports business goals.
10. The CMO Podcast
Host: Jim Stengel
Focus: Marketing leadership and brand building
Why Listen: Jim Stengel, former CMO of Procter & Gamble, interviews top marketing executives from leading brands. The podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies that drive successful marketing campaigns and brand leadership.
Why Following Marketing Blogs and Podcasts Matters
Staying updated on the latest trends and tactics is crucial in the marketing field, where best practices change frequently with new technologies and platforms. Blogs provide in-depth articles, case studies, and how-tos, which can serve as useful references for implementing new strategies. Podcasts, on the other hand, offer the convenience of learning on-the-go and often feature candid conversations with industry experts who share their real-world experiences and insights.
By following the blogs and podcasts mentioned here, you’ll be better equipped to stay current, refine your skills, and bring new ideas to your marketing strategy. These resources can also spark creativity, challenge assumptions, and help you anticipate shifts in the marketing landscape.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of SEO, improve your content marketing skills, or explore new social media strategies, these blogs and podcasts are excellent resources for any marketer. Following a mix of both will ensure you’re well-informed and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving world of marketing with confidence.
Bitcasa Review: Version 1.1.0.0
Posted by Titus in Reviews, Technology on May 30, 2013
Running is a popular form of exercise for a reason. It doesn’t need much equipment, and you can do it just about anywhere or anytime it is convenient for you. Plus, experts say it improves heart health.
How Running Improves Your Health
Better cardio health. Running, or jogging, is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Running for at least 10 minutes a day can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Runners lower their chances of dying from heart disease by half.
It also lowers your resting heart rate, the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest. This is an important indicator of your overall health and fitness. The lower the rate, the more efficient your heartbeat. These are the best diet pills.
Better sleep. Quality sleep is essential for your health. Your body repairs itself when you’re asleep, which is why you wake up feeling refreshed. But try to avoid running too late in the day. This can interfere with how well you sleep at night. Aerobic exercise triggers a release of endorphins, chemicals that help relieve pain or stress. These activate the brain and might keep you awake.-
Improved knee and back health. A study of 675 marathon runners found that they had a lower arthritis rate than other people. The runners’ knees and backs were both positively affected. The more you run, the lower your odds of back problems as you age.
Improved memory. If you find that you have problems with your memory, get running. It affects your brain in the short and long term. Aerobic exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. This can boost the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Read more about nootropics.
Fewer colds. If you start to feel a little off, running for 30 minutes can trigger your immune system to help you feel better. When you do aerobic exercises like running at least 5 days a week, you lower your odds of upper tract respiratory infections by 43%.
Better mood and energy. Many people run because they want to feel better. The exercise helps boost your mood, concentration, and overall quality of life. Runner’s high is real.
Setting Running Goals for Success
Having a running goal in mind will help you stay committed. Be sure to set realistic, specific goals that you can measure. If a marathon seems like too much, try a 5K road race. Some tips to help you succeed:
Make a plan, and stay consistent.
Create a routine you can stick to.
Start with a mix of running and walking.
Combine your running program with other forms of exercise for variety.
Run with a friend, or join a local running club.
Talk with your doctor before making a running plan, especially if you have a medical condition or have not exercised in a long time. Your doctor will help you come up with a running program that won’t overstrain your body or mind.
Tips for Healthy Running
For the best results with your running program:
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Don’t run right after eating.
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run.
Don’t turn your music up too loud. Stay alert and aware of what’s around you.
Wear reflective clothes if running early in the morning or late in the evening.
Tell someone where you plan to run and when you expect to be back.
Avoid isolated and dangerous areas.
Take regular breaks to let your body rest.
If you get an injury while running, stop and get medical care right away.
Is Your Tascam US-144 mkII Noisy? Just Sit on it.
The TASCAM US-144 mkII's Phantom Power gets very noisy when the temperature drops below 65
To track down the source, I started by changing out the AC power for battery power, switching USB cords, switching mic cords, switching microphones, switching interfaces, turning on and off the wireless network, unplugging my wireless router, changing rooms, and even moving to a location several miles away. None of these things had any consistent effect on the whine. After a lot of trial and error, I have narrowed the problem down to two three variables: Temperature, Phantom Power and the MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch.
The whine appears with the phantom power on, while the interface is cold (ie, less than about 65 degrees Fahrenheit). It gets worse when the MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch is set to “Guitar.” Setting the MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch to “Guitar” makes it act as an unbalanced input jack, which probably explains the noise. But turning on the phantom power while the interface is cold produces a lot of noise.
The solution: Sit on the interface to warm it up. My home “studio” is in a very cold room with two exterior walls, and it’s the middle of winter. So in order to warm up the interface—no joke—I actually put it under my thigh for a good 10-15 minutes. I didn’t read that helpful work-around in the manual. I thought about using an electric blanket, but I was afraid that might cause some induction damage.
The Test
I conducted a test to demonstrate the whine, which I have included here. For the test I had the following setup: I plugged an Audio-Technica AT 2020 condenser mic into the MIC IN L XLR balanced jack. I also plugged a crappy old dynamic mic into the LINE IN R/GUITAR IN jack TRS 1/4″ jack. For the “Cold” test, I left the interface in a box in my car for 30 minutes, where the outside temperature is around 25° Fahrenheit. For the “Warm” test, I basically sat on the interface for about 15 minutes until the interface housing was noticeably warmer than room temperature.
I then recorded a systematic test of the phantom power, left and right input levels, and the MIC/LINE-GUITAR select switch in 10-second intervals. I included the results in a table below, with each numbered setting corresponding to a period of time on the non-normalized .mp3 file. You can skip around to compare the different settings if you’d like. Please ignore the ambient noise of the HVAC system, as well as the lousy line quality for my crappy dynamic mic.
| Setting | Time on Tape | Phantom Power | INPUT L Levels (AT 2020) |
INPUT R Levels (Crappy Dynamic) |
LINE/MIC- GUITAR Select Switch |
Whine |
| 1 | 0:00-0:10 | OFF | Line (Low) | Line (Low) | Line/Mic | None |
| 2 | 0:10-0:20 | Mic (High) | Line/Mic | None | ||
| 3 | 0:20-0:30 | Line | Guitar | None | ||
| 4 | 0:30-0:40 | Mic | Guitar | None | ||
| 5 | 0:40-0:50 | Mic (High) | Line | Line/Mic | Scratch | |
| 6 | 0:50-1:00 | Mic | Line/Mic | Scratch | ||
| 7 | 1:00-1:10 | Line | Guitar | Scratch | ||
| 8 | 1:10-1:20 | Mic | Guitar | Scratch | ||
| 9 | 1:20-1:30 | ON | Line | Line | Line/Mic | Whine-Low |
| 10 | 1:30-1:40 | Mic | Line/Mic | Whine-Med | ||
| 11 | 1:40-1:50 | Line | Guitar | Whine-Med | ||
| 12 | 1:50-2:00 | Mic | Guitar | Whine-Scream | ||
| 13 | 2:00-2:10 | Mic | Line | Line/Mic | Whine-Loud | |
| 14 | 2:10-2:20 | Mic | Line/Mic | Whine-Loud | ||
| 15 | 2:20-2:30 | Line | Guitar | Whine-Loud | ||
| 16 | 2:30-2:40 | Mic | Guitar | Whine-Scream | ||
| Setting | Time on Tape | Phantom Power | INPUT L Levels (AT 2020) |
INPUT R Levels (Crappy Dynamic) |
LINE/MIC- GUITAR Select Switch |
Whine |
| 1 | 2:40-2:50 | OFF | Line (Low) | Line (Low) | Line/Mic | None |
| 2 | 2:50-3:00 | Mic (High) | Line/Mic | None | ||
| 3 | 3:00-3:10 | Line | Guitar | None | ||
| 4 | 3:10-3:20 | Mic | Guitar | Scratch | ||
| 5 | 3:20-3:30 | Mic (High) | Line | Line/Mic | Scratch | |
| 6 | 3:30-3:40 | Mic | Line/Mic | Scratch | ||
| 7 | 3:40-3:50 | Line | Guitar | Scratch | ||
| 8 | 3:50-4:00 | Mic | Guitar | Scratch | ||
| 9 | 4:00-4:10 | ON | Line | Line | Line/Mic | None |
| 10 | 4:10-4:20 | Mic | Line/Mic | None | ||
| 11 | 4:20-4:30 | Line | Guitar | None | ||
| 12 | 4:30-4:40 | Mic | Guitar | Whine-Loud | ||
| 13 | 4:40-4:50 | Mic | Line | Line/Mic | None | |
| 14 | 4:50-5:00 | Mic | Line/Mic | None | ||
| 15 | 5:00-5:10 | Line | Guitar | None | ||
| 16 | 5:10-5:20 | Mic | Guitar | Whine-Loud | ||
My home studio is in the basement near an outside wall, so it’s usually around 65°. Every morning the whine reappears until I physically warm the unit to around 75°+.
At lower temps, the phantom power whines and bleeds over into the 1/4″ inputs, which surprises me because most electronics are happier when they’re cold. I’d chalk it up to a defective unit, except that I purchased two 144 mkII’s, and both units display the same behavior. Regardless, I’m not looking forward to the hassle of returning or exchanging the interface. It’s going to put me back several weeks.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced these same problems. The helpful guys at Sweetwater didn’t seem to have bumped into the problem before.
[Update Jan 14, 2010]
I have decided to return the mkII’s to Sweetwater in favor of another brand, perhaps an M-Audio. I haven’t decided. At first I was content to swap them out for non-defective mkIIs, but apparently TASCAM has temporarily stopped shipping the US-144 mkII. More precisely, they are taking orders without providing a firm ETA. This is apparently quite unusual, and in the estimation of the guy I talked to it likely indicates that they are doing some re-tooling.
I decided that I’m probably better off not being the guinea pig for the “fixed” version (if, in fact they are re-tooling). And even if they’re not re-tooling, I don’t want to wait indefinitely for TASCAM to fill the order.
I am so glad that I purchased from Sweetwater instead of Guitar Center. Sweetwater has much better support. Let me correct that: Sweetwater offers any type of support.
[Update Jan 25, 2010]
I decided to go with a Lexicon Omega instead. So far (in some preliminary recordings) I haven’t had any noise problems, thought the levels are significantly lower than the Tascam 144 mkII. I’ll just have to do more post-normalization. I hope the noise levels stay tolerable.