Four States Small Business Blog

Getting the Most Out of Working with Local Influencers

Posted by Kylie Davis on July 15, 2025 at 7:00 AM
In a fast-paced marketing landscape, local influencers—especially radio and video personalities—offer a powerful way to connect with your community and drive real results for your business. At Zimmer Marketing, our on-air and video talent from six radio stations in the Four States, including Joplin, MO, are uniquely positioned to help your brand shine. Here’s how you can maximize your partnership with local influencers and why our team is your best resource for authentic, high-impact campaigns.
 

Why Local Influencers Matter

Local influencers, such as radio hosts and video creators, have established deep trust and credibility with their audiences. Their recommendations feel like advice from a friend, making their endorsements far more effective than traditional ads. When you work with Zimmer Marketing’s talent, you’re tapping into a loyal listener and viewer base that spans the Four States region.
 

The Unique Power of On-Air and Video Talent

Our radio personalities are more than just voices; they’re community leaders, storytellers, and digital content creators. They engage audiences on-air, online, and through social media, offering a multi-channel approach that amplifies your message. Here’s what sets Zimmer Marketing’s team apart:
  • Multi-Platform Reach: From live radio to digital video, social media, and event appearances, our influencers connect with audiences wherever they are.
  • Local Expertise: As residents and active members of the Four States, our team understands what resonates with local listeners and viewers, making your campaign more relevant and effective.
 

Best Practices for Working with Local Influencers

To get the most out of your influencer partnership, follow these proven strategies:

1. Set Clear Objectives
Define your campaign goals upfront—whether it’s increasing foot traffic, boosting web visits, or driving social engagement. Share these objectives with your influencer so they can tailor their approach for maximum impact.

2. Provide Authentic Experiences
Invite influencers to experience your product or service firsthand. The more familiar they are with your business, the more authentic and compelling their endorsements will be. This could mean a behind-the-scenes tour, a product trial, or a special event.

3. Collaborate, Don’t Script
Offer talking points and brand guidelines, but let your influencer speak in their own voice. Authenticity is key—audiences can tell when a message is genuine versus scripted. Trust your influencer’s expertise in communicating with their audience.

4. Embrace Multi-Channel Storytelling
Leverage the full range of your influencer’s platforms. Combine on-air mentions with social media posts, short-form videos, and live event appearances to create a cohesive, omnichannel campaign.

5. Measure and Optimize
Track key performance indicators, including web traffic, social engagement, and in-store visits. Share results with your influencer partner and be open to making adjustments for even better outcomes in future campaigns.
 

Zimmer Marketing: Your Local Influencer Advantage

With decades of experience and a deep commitment to the Four States community, Zimmer Marketing’s on-air and video talent are ready to help your business grow. Our team’s ability to blend traditional radio with digital content ensures your message is heard, seen, and remembered. Ready to influence your audiences?

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
 
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Topics: Radio Advertising, Marketing ROI, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Video Production, Content Marketing

The Power of Asking: Are You Using CTAs Correctly?

Posted by Brett James on May 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
In the marketing world, there is a simple truth: if you don’t ask, you often don’t receive. This is where the Call to Action (CTA) comes in, a small but mighty tool that can transform your marketing from passive to powerful. At Zimmer Marketing, we’ve seen firsthand how the right CTA can drive results from your website to your digital marketing campaigns. But are you using CTAs to their full potential?

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Topics: Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Website Design

What Is the Buyer's Journey? | Marketing Answers

Posted by Brett James on February 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
When crafting a multi-channel marketing strategy, understanding the buyer’s journey helps businesses meet customers at every stage – from initial curiosity to a purchasing decision. By combining broad-reach tools like radio with targeted digital tactics like Google Ads, brands create a seamless path that guides prospects toward conversion while reinforcing long-term loyalty.
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Radio Advertising, Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Branding, E-commerce, Online Sales

Zimmer Guide to Digital Advertising: Google

Posted by Kylie Davis on January 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Continuing on our   digital ads guide from last week, let's turn our attention to Google Ads products. Google offers a diverse array of advertising options to help businesses reach their target audience effectively. We will explore four key types of Google advertising: Paid Search, Display Ads, Smart Shopping Ads, and Video Ads. Let's dive into how each can boost your digital marketing strategy.
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Topics: Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Digital Marketing, Advertising

3 Tips to Get the Most Out of AI

Posted by Jason Dittmer on December 10, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an invaluable tool for marketers in today's fast-paced digital landscape. At Zimmer Marketing, we always seek ways to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance our clients' marketing strategies. Here are three essential tips to help you harness the power of AI and take your marketing efforts to the next level.

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Topics: Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Digital Marketing

How Broad Reach Marketing and Radio Fit Together

Posted by Jeannette Royle on November 26, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Businesses often wonder how traditional media like radio fits into their overall strategy. The truth is that radio remains a powerful tool for broad-reaching marketing, working seamlessly alongside digital channels to create a comprehensive marketing approach. Let's explore how broad-reaching marketing and radio complement each other to boost your brand's visibility and impact.
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Topics: Radio Advertising, Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI

5 Tips for Creating Your First Multimedia Marketing Campaign

Posted by Melissa Little on June 25, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Creating your first multimedia marketing campaign can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach and a clear strategy, you can craft a campaign that effectively reaches your audience and drives engagement. Our team at Zimmer Marketing has put together this helpful guide to help get you started on your first multimedia marketing campaign.
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Digital Marketing

5 Marketing Next Steps for New Businesses

Posted by Melissa Little on April 23, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Following up on our   topic from last week, today, we will examine some marketing next steps for new businesses that have already established   a budget  and marketing fundamentals. At Zimmer Marketing, we're here to guide you through the essential next steps to continue your marketing journey. Let's look at five crucial mediums that can propel your business forward in today's competitive market.

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Topics: Radio Advertising, Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Video Production

5 Marketing Essentials for New Businesses

Posted by Jeannette Royle on April 16, 2024 at 7:19 AM
In the dynamic and competitive business landscape, effective marketing is often the differentiator between success and obscurity. Following last week's discussion of   why businesses should be spending between 3-15% of revenue on marketing, we will examine the core necessities you should spend your budget on as a new business. For companies just starting out, establishing a solid marketing foundation is crucial for attracting customers and building a sustainable brand presence. Here are five marketing essentials that every new business should prioritize.

1. Concise Statement of Value Proposition

In a market flooded with options, standing out is essential. Your business must clearly articulate its unique value proposition—the " difference maker" that sets you apart from competitors. This concise statement should communicate what makes your product or service special and why customers should choose you over others. Whether it's superior quality, unmatched customer service, or innovative solutions, your competitive advantage should be the focal point of your marketing efforts.

2. Brand Logo

A logo is the visual representation of your brand and often serves as the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. It should be memorable, versatile, and reflective of your brand's values and personality. Whether you opt for a sleek wordmark, an abstract symbol, or a combination of both, invest in a professionally designed logo that effectively communicates your brand identity. Your logo will appear on everything from business cards to advertisements, so it's worth getting it right from the start.
 

3. Consistent Design Basics – Brand Colors & Fonts

Consistency is key when it comes to branding. Once you've created your logo, establish a cohesive visual identity with consistent brand colors, fonts, and design elements to help create brand recognition and foster trust with your audience. Choose colors and fonts that reflect your brand's personality and resonate with your target demographic. Whether it is a healthcare brand's calming blues or a youth-oriented company's vibrant hues, ensure that your visual identity remains consistent across all marketing materials, from your website to your social media posts.
 

4. Business Website

A website is more than just a digital storefront—it's often the first interaction customers have with your brand. Your website should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and informative. It should clearly communicate what your business offers, provide easy navigation, and offer a seamless experience across all devices. Invest in professional web design and optimize your site for speed, mobile responsiveness, and search engine visibility to ensure maximum reach and engagement.

5. Organic SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for improving your website's visibility and driving organic traffic. By optimizing your website content, including keywords relevant to your industry and target audience, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract qualified leads. Invest in keyword research, on-page optimization, and quality content creation to increase your chances of appearing at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). Additionally, leverage local SEO tactics to target customers in your area and capitalize on location-based searches.

Next Week

If you've already taken the steps above, you may be wondering what's next in your business's marketing journey. In our next blog, we will look at five marketing next steps to build on the framework we've created here. Following these steps is the fastest way to get results out of your marketing budget and maximize brand recognition!

Start Advertising with Zimmer Marketing

If you need expert guidance in preparing a marketing plan and setting a budget, Zimmer Marketing would love to partner with you! We have helped hundreds of businesses across the Four States conduct successful marketing with custom web design, radio, and digital campaigns!

Get in Touch with a Marketing Consultant
 
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Topics: Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, Branding

Why $500 a Month Isn't Enough for Business Marketing

Posted by Melissa Little on April 9, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Are you a business owner looking to expand your reach, attract more customers, and ultimately grow your business? If so, you're likely aware of the importance of investing in marketing. For some, $500 a month seems like enough to fuel your business's growth through marketing. But is it really? In this blog, we'll examine whether or not $500 is adequate for conducting successful marketing campaigns.
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Radio Advertising, Marketing Strategy, Marketing ROI, BrandsFormation, Digital Marketing, Advertising, Branding