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

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

Broad Reach Marketing: How Often Should I Run Radio Ads?

Posted by Brett James on January 7, 2025 at 7:00 AM
How often should you run radio ads? The answer lies in a powerful marketing strategy called   BrandsFormation, which Zimmer Marketing employs to help businesses create successful advertising campaigns.

The key to effective radio advertising is consistency and frequency. The BrandsFormation system recommends a "21 52 Advertising Plan," which means   running your radio ad 21 times weekly for 52 weeks. This approach ensures that your target audience hears your message with enough repetition to build strong brand recognition.
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Radio Advertising

How to Create an Integrated Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business

Posted by Jeannette Royle on December 31, 2024 at 7:00 AM
These days, small businesses need to leverage every advantage to stand out. Integrated marketing offers a powerful approach to maximize your marketing efforts and create a cohesive brand message across multiple channels. Let's explore some effective integrated marketing strategies that can help small businesses thrive.
 

Understanding Integrated Marketing

Integrated marketing communications is a strategy that uses different channels to communicate a unified message to customers. This approach ensures consistency across all touchpoints, reinforcing your brand identity and message.
 

Key Strategies for Small Businesses

1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Before launching any marketing campaign, it's crucial to establish clear, measurable goals. Whether you aim to increase brand awareness, boost sales, or improve customer retention, having defined objectives will guide your integrated marketing efforts.


2. Know Your Audience

Identify and prioritize your target audience. Understanding their preferences, behaviors, and pain points will help you tailor your message and choose the most effective channels to reach them.


3. Develop a Consistent Brand Message

Create a unified brand message that resonates across all marketing channels. This consistency helps build brand recognition and trust among your audience.


4. Leverage Multiple Channels

Diversify your marketing mix to reach your audience through various touchpoints. Consider a combination of:
  • Digital marketing (website, social media, email)
  • Traditional advertising (radio, print)
  • Content marketing (blogs, videos)
  • Direct marketing (flyers, direct mail)


5. Utilize Data and Analytics

Invest in data analytics to track the performance of your marketing efforts. This information will help you refine your strategies and allocate your budget more effectively.


6. Create a Content Library

Develop a library of digital assets, including graphics, videos, and blog posts. These versatile resources can be repurposed across different channels, ensuring consistency in your messaging while saving time and resources.


7. Combine Broad-Reach and Targeted Marketing

Balance broad-reach marketing with targeted digital campaigns. This approach allows you to build brand awareness while also reaching specific audience segments with tailored messages.


8. Optimize for Search Engines

Incorporate search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) into your integrated strategy. This will improve your online visibility and drive targeted traffic to your website.
 

Putting It All Together: An Example Campaign

Let's consider a hypothetical small business, a local pizzeria, to illustrate how these strategies can work together:
  1. Direct mail flyers to local homes
  2. Social media posts featuring daily specials and new pizza combos
  3. Website updates with daily specials and employee profiles
  4. "Thank you" notes with deliveries, encouraging social media engagement and online reviews
By coordinating these efforts, the pizzeria creates multiple touchpoints with a consistent message, reinforcing its brand and driving customer engagement.

Promote Your Business with Zimmer Marketing

If you're looking for a team to come alongside you to market your business, we would love to help! Zimmer Marketing has helped hundreds of companies advertise their business on-air and online. Yours can be our next success story!

Get In Touch With A Marketing Consultant
 
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Topics: Integrated Marketing, Radio Advertising, Digital Marketing, Branding

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

The Benefits of Local Advertising

Posted by Jeannette Royle on August 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM
In today's digital age, businesses often focus heavily on online advertising, but local advertising, and especially radio, remains a powerful tool. At Zimmer Marketing, we understand the unique value of radio advertising and the advantages it offers to businesses of all sizes.

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Topics: Radio Advertising, Joplin Market, Branding

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

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

The Power of Radio Political Advertising

Posted by Amber Ward on March 26, 2024 at 7:00 AM
 
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Topics: Radio Advertising, Advertising Creative

5 Tips to Craft a Powerful Radio Jingle

Posted by Brett James on March 19, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Have you ever found yourself belting out the lyrics to a commercial while cruising down the highway? Or maybe you've started a spontaneous sing-along with friends because of a song that's stuck in your head? That's the magic of jingles—catchy melodies with a lasting impact.
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Topics: Radio Advertising, Advertising Creative, Advertising, Branding