Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling® Podcast

Hosted by Ninety Five Media

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Episodes

281

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The social media marketing podcast for busy professionals who want strategic, sustainable growth, not just more followers. Hosted by Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media, this show breaks down what's actually working in digital marketing right now. From Instagram strategy and content marketing systems to algorithm updates and lead generation, Emma shares the behind-the-scenes strategies you need to know in order to see an ROI from your marketing today. No fluff. No chasing trends for the sake of it. Just proven marketing strategies and actionable steps you can implement immediately. New episodes drop every Monday and Wednesday!

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60 recent

June 3, 2026Episode 28132 min

281. Why Professional Brand Photography Still Matters in the Age of AI with Ash Gerleman

In a world flooded with AI-generated content, authenticity has become one of the most valuable forms of brand currency. In this episode, Emma sits down with Dallas-based product and lifestyle photographer Ash Gerleman to unpack why professional photography matters more than ever in today's marketing landscape. From trust and legitimacy to emotional connection and brand positioning, this conversation explores how strategic visuals shape the way customers perceive your business long before they ever buy. Ash shares how her background in advertising transformed the way she approaches photography, why brands need more than "pretty photos," and how authentic visual storytelling creates a stronger, more cohesive marketing ecosystem. Their conversation also touches on the rise of AI-generated imagery, the growing consumer fatigue surrounding artificial content, and why real photography is quickly becoming a competitive advantage for brands that want to stand out. Plus, Emma and Ash discuss how to partner effectively with a photographer, plan intentional content shoots, and create visuals that work across social media, websites, ads, and beyond. Listen in as Emma explains: Why authentic photography is becoming more valuable in the age of AI How strategic visuals build trust and strengthen brand perception What brands should prepare before partnering with a photographer And much, much more! Connect with Ash: Website: www.ashgerlcreative.com Instagram: instagram.com/ash_gerl LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashleighgerleman Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE AUDIT What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

May 27, 2026Episode 28031 min

280. Q2 Marketing Trends: Seasonal Content Shifts That Will Drive More Sales

Your audience changes with the seasons, and your marketing should too. In this episode, Emma breaks down the biggest Q2 marketing shifts that brands need to pay attention to as audiences move from winter routines into spring and summer lifestyles. From spending habits centered around experiences to shorter attention spans and increased visibility online, Q2 creates a completely different environment for content consumption and purchasing decisions. This episode explores how brands can create messaging that feels more emotionally relevant during this season by positioning products and services as part of the lifestyle people already want to live. Emma also dives into the importance of confidence-driven marketing, stronger hooks, shorter-form content, and showing proof that your offer actually works in real life. You'll hear why mid-year reflection creates a unique opportunity for brands to help audiences recalibrate their goals, plus how even businesses with outdated or inconsistent marketing can dramatically turn things around with the right strategy. Listen in as Emma explains: Why Q2 marketing should align with seasonal lifestyle and spending shifts How confidence, visibility, and identity influence audience buying behavior Why shorter videos and stronger hooks matter more during spring and summer And so much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE AUDIT What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

May 20, 2026Episode 27916 min

279. A Belief About Marketing That Is Holding You Back

Ignoring your marketing might feel easier in the moment, but it's one of the fastest ways to lose opportunities without even realizing it. In this episode, you will learn about the hidden cost of avoidance and why outdated or inconsistent marketing can actively work against your business. Through real examples and clear data, this conversation reframes marketing as a responsibility, rather than an optional task. Because whether you're actively showing up or not, your audience is still forming opinions based on what they find. And in today's landscape, social media is often the first place they look. This episode also challenges the belief that doing nothing is neutral. It's a decision that shapes how your brand is perceived, who reaches out, and who walks away. Instead, Emma introduces a more powerful mindset, one rooted in ownership, clarity, and intentional visibility. If your marketing has felt inconsistent, overwhelming, or easy to push aside, this episode will help you rethink your role, take back control, and start showing up in a way that actually supports your growth. Listen in as Emma explains: Why ignoring your marketing actively damages brand perception and client acquisition How outdated social media creates confusion and drives away ideal clients Why social media is now the primary first impression for most brands And so much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE AUDIT What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

May 13, 2026Episode 27820 min

278. How to Build a Marketing Strategy That Works (+ a New Offer!)

If your marketing feels inconsistent, frustrating, or like it's not driving results, the problem likely isn't effort, it's strategy. In this episode, we break down why so many businesses struggle to see traction and how jumping between tactics is actually holding them back. From posting sporadically to outsourcing without direction to following generic advice online, these common habits create scattered messaging and inconsistent outcomes. The reality is that without a clear, long-term plan, it's nearly impossible to gather meaningful data, refine your approach, or build real momentum. This conversation reframes marketing as a strategic function of your business, not a reactive task. Because when strategy is missing, everything feels harder. More importantly, it highlights what changes when a clear, customized strategy is in place: clarity, direction, confidence, and ultimately, consistent demand. Listen in as Emma explains: Why lack of strategy is the root cause of most marketing challenges How jumping between tactics prevents meaningful growth and data collection Why generic marketing advice fails without customization to your business And much, much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry GRAB YOUR MARKETING GROWTH BLUEPRINT If you're tired of throwing tactics at the wall and hoping something sticks, the Marketing Growth Blueprint gives you the clarity and direction to finally make your marketing work like a real growth engine. In one focused strategy session, we pinpoint what's been holding you back, simplify your next steps, and map a marketing plan you can actually execute over the next 120+ days. You will walk away knowing exactly what to prioritize to generate more leads, convert more consistently, and stop wasting time on content that isn't moving the needle. Get your Marketing Growth Blueprint here: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/marketing-growth-blueprint

May 11, 2026Episode 27723 min

277. The Messaging Mistakes Costing You Clients (And What to Say Instead)

If your content is getting views but not converting, your messaging might be the problem, not your visibility. This episode breaks down the critical mistakes business owners make when talking about their offers and why unclear, passive, or overly broad messaging is costing you clients. When your audience doesn't immediately understand who you help, what you do, and the result you deliver, they move on, no matter how often they see your content. Listen in to learn why vague statements fail to resonate, how soft language undermines trust, and why conviction is the key to driving conversions. Clear messaging is not about sounding clever or polished, it's about being understood instantly. This episode also walks through practical ways to refine your messaging, and how to simplify your offer into a clear, outcome-driven statement. When done right, strong messaging builds trust, creates clarity, and makes it easy for the right people to say yes. Listen in as Emma explains: Why vague messaging prevents your audience from recognizing your value How passive language weakens trust and lowers conversions Why conviction in your offer directly impacts buyer confidence And so much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE QUIZ! What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

May 6, 2026Episode 27622 min

276. May 2026 Marketing Updates: Instagram Analytics Upgrades, TikTok AI Video Tools & LinkedIn Search Expansion

If social media feels like it's changing faster than you can keep up, hop off the hamster wheel and tune in to this episode. In this May 2026 Marketing Updates breakdown, we're bringing you clarity on the most important platform changes impacting your strategy right now. From Instagram expanding algorithm controls and rolling out new performance metrics, to TikTok doubling down on AI-generated video tools, and Pinterest proving its power as a revenue-driving ad platform. The episode also explores LinkedIn's evolving role as a search engine, highlighting how AI-powered discovery is changing the way audiences find content, brands, and opportunities. More importantly, this conversation reframes how to approach constant platform changes without feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Instead of chasing every update, it's about understanding what actually matters, what to test, and how to stay aligned with your audience. If you've been feeling behind, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Listen in as Emma explains: Why Instagram's new metrics signal a shift in content performance priorities How TikTok's AI tools are changing ad creation and creative strategy How LinkedIn's search evolution impacts discoverability and audience growth And much, much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE AUDIT What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

May 4, 2026Episode 27530 min

275. The Truth About "Waiting for the Right Time" to Invest in Marketing

Hiring support is one of the most powerful decisions you can make in your business, and also one of the hardest. In this episode, Emma is unpacking why so many founders hesitate to delegate, even when they know it's the next step, and what's actually waiting on the other side of that decision. From fear of losing control to wanting to "figure it out first," these thought patterns feel productive, but often keep you stuck in the same place. The reality is that growth doesn't come from doing more, it comes from focusing on the right things and letting go of the rest. Through real client experiences and personal insight, this episode breaks down how hiring the right support creates structure, consistency, and momentum in your business. You'll also hear why there is no perfect time to hire, how delaying decisions impacts your growth, and what it actually looks like when you bring in experts who can execute at a higher level than you can alone. If you've been sitting on the fence about hiring, this episode will challenge your mindset and help you take the next step forward. Listen in as Emma explains: Why fear and control are the biggest blockers to hiring support Why waiting for the "right time" to hire keeps your business stuck What actually happens when you invest in the right support And so much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE QUIZ! What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

April 29, 2026Episode 27422 min

274. The ONE Change You Need to Make to Your Sales Message

Most brands don't have a visibility problem, they have a conversion problem, and it all comes down to how you're communicating. In this episode, Emma is breaking down the critical difference between marketing and sales, and why confusing the two is costing you revenue. While marketing is designed to build awareness and bring people in, sales is what actually drives action, and your messaging needs to reflect that shift. Through Emma's recent real-life car buying experience, this episode highlights one of the most common mistakes brands make, focusing on what they think matters instead of what their audience actually cares about. It's not about listing features or sounding polished, it's about understanding how your customer thinks, what they value, and how your offer fits into their life. You'll also hear a fresh perspective on using AI in your content process, and why it should support your ideas, not replace your voice. If your content is getting views but not converting, this episode will challenge how you approach messaging and give you a clear, simple way to fix it. Listen in as Emma explains: The key difference between marketing visibility and sales-driven conversion messaging Why most brands focus on the wrong details in their content How to shift your messaging to match your audience's buying behavior And much, much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry NEW QUIZ! What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

April 27, 2026Episode 27331 min

273. Social Media Can't Be Your Only Growth Channel

If you've been relying on social media to drive all of your business growth, this episode will completely change how you think about your strategy. Social media is powerful, but it was never designed to do everything. When you expect it to generate awareness, nurture leads, and drive conversions all on its own, you set yourself up for frustration. The truth is, social media is just the entry point, not the full journey. In this episode, Emma breaks down the marketing funnel in a simple, actionable way so you can understand exactly where social media fits and what's missing from your current strategy. You'll learn why awareness alone isn't enough, how to guide your audience through the consumption phase, and what it actually takes to convert followers into paying customers. We also walk through the essential growth channels every business should be using, including email marketing, free offers, and in-person experiences that build trust faster. Listen in as Emma explains: Why social media best serves as the awareness stage of your marketing funnel How the consumption phase builds trust and moves leads toward conversion Why relying on social media alone limits your ability to generate sales And so much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry FREE QUIZ! What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check

April 22, 2026Episode 27230 min

272. What I No Longer Believe About Social Media Marketing

After a decade in social media marketing, we know that what used to work simply doesn't anymore. The platforms have evolved, audiences have changed, and the way people build trust online looks completely different than it did even a few years ago. Yet so many brands are still operating from outdated beliefs without even realizing it. In this episode, Emma breaks down four of the most common social media marketing myths that could be quietly holding your business back – ones that she herself used to believe! From the obsession with aesthetic feeds to the fear of giving away too much value, these mindsets are keeping brands stuck in strategies that no longer convert. You'll learn what actually drives growth today, why messaging matters more than visuals, and how to create content that builds trust and authority. Plus, we unpack the real role of paid ads and how to use them effectively without wasting your budget. Get ready to evolve your strategy and start seeing better results. Listen in as Emma explains: Why strong messaging now matters more than aesthetic social media feeds How giving away valuable content builds authority and long-term trust Why polished, scripted content performs worse than clear, authentic communication And much, much more! Connect with Ninety Five Media: Check out our website: ninetyfivemedia.co Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/ninety.five.media Grow your brand's social media presence with us: Tell us about your business goals and explore how our social media management services can help you reach them! ninetyfivemedia.co/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-inquiry NEW QUIZ! What if I told you your content isn't converting, your audience isn't engaging, and it feels like too much work - not because you're failing, but because your social media needs a check-up? Take our FREE Social Media Health Check today to: ✅ See where your social media stands today ✅ Identify your growth stage ✅ Discover the next step to level up your results Just because you haven't seen results yet doesn't mean it has to stay that way. We're here to help. Ready to find out how you're doing? Take our free Social Media Health Check: https://courses.ninetyfivemedia.co/social-media-health-check