The Snoball Effect

Hosted by Snoball

Business Marketing

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Snoball Effect includes 2 separate series: 1. Local Business Series - We help one small business boost their marketing over 3 months. 2. Marketing Playbook Series - We invite Sales and Marketing experts to offer tips and advice to those struggling to jumpstart their marketing and sales operations. You know those marketing tips that are easier said than done? We go do them in real life. We focus an entire 10-episode season on boosting a single small business with a $0 marketing budget. We'll use enterprise-level tools — like Snoball — to carry out audacious marketing plans and strategies over 3 months. We'll see if it works out. We'll use our network to attract business professionals to provide insights and aid our marketing efforts. Our purpose is to prove the effectiveness of 1) referrals, reviews, and reputation marketing and 2) investing time into branding/growth strategies. For our first season, we're growing a barber shop with plans to hire 2 new barbers. We are going to fill the new hires' schedules with net new customers via a robust referral marketing plan and the use of an enterprise-level tool, Snoball. We will also identify any additional business goals related to revenue or reputation growth and knock those out of the park.

Listen to episodes

44 recent

March 13, 20251 hr 8 min

Rand Fishkin: After Dark Marketing Challenges [AFTER DARK]

Send us Fan MailWatch on YouTube for full experience!This episode contains content that may make you laugh and perhaps even cry. Viewer discretion is not needed.Learn About Snoball:Schedule DemoWebsiteMarketing legend Rand Fishkin joins The Snoball Effect After Dark to drop some skibidi facts about marketing, audience research (SparkToro), and why blindly trusting Google is like letting a raccoon manage your retirement fund. In classic Snoball fashion, things go off the rails quickly—with absurd games, ruthless heckling, and even a surprise intervention from Rand’s wife, Geraldine DeRuiter, who effortlessly roasts the easiest target (Christian). Along the way, Rand dishes on SparkToro’s audience research wizardry and his indie game venture, Snackbar Studios, where he’s making an awesome video game about lasagna or something like that.If you like your marketing insights with a side of chaos, this one’s for you.Chapters:00:00:00 - 00:02:39 Welcome to the ChaosRand Fishkin enters The Snoball Effect After Dark—and immediately regrets it.00:07:02 - 00:13:18 Warm Up: Mustache You A QuestionRand defends his life choices.00:13:19 - 00:19:59 Is Google Evil?Rand rants about Google’s decline, monopolies, and the death of “Do No Evil.”00:28:52 - 00:32:45 Segment 1: Rant FishkinWe force Rand to rant about anything he wants while Christian must take the opposing argument, no matter what the subject is.00:32:46 - 00:43:28 Geraldine DeReuiterGeraldine's less famous husband makes way for her surprise appearance.00:43:29 - 00:50:51 Segment 2: Todd TalksRand and Christian get heckled while explaining their businesses to imaginary sixth graders.00:58:37 - 01:08:59 Segment 3: Prop A GandaRand and Christian pitch ridiculous billboards in an unhinged marketing showdown.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

January 23, 202524 min

5 Marketing Tips for Home Service Companies w/ Cindy Nuredin [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Snoball Effect Podcast: Marketing Playbook Series, host Todd Jensen interviews Cindy Nuredin, Senior Marketing Manager at Modernize, a platform connecting homeowners with trusted contractors. Drawing from Modernize's 2024 Homeowner Insights Report, Cindy shares five actionable marketing strategies for home service companies:Offer Research Tools: Provide homeowners with resources like cost calculators and comparison charts to facilitate informed decision-making.Simplify Decision-Making: Streamline the sales process to avoid overwhelming potential clients, focusing on clear and concise presentations.Lead with Education: Build trust by offering transparent and educational content that guides homeowners through their projects.Highlight Success Stories: Use testimonials, before-and-after photos, and referrals to showcase your company's expertise and reliability.Be Transparent and Authentic: Engage in personalized communication, listening to homeowners' needs and avoiding rigid sales scripts.Cindy emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse motivations and challenges homeowners face, advocating for a versatile and empathetic marketing approach to foster long-term relationships. Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

December 12, 202447 min

Marketing or Sales: Which Is More Likely To Survive? [AFTER DARK]

Send us Fan MailThis episode contains content that will make you laugh and maybe cry. Viewer discretion is not needed, nor is it helpful.Learn About Snoball:Schedule DemoWebsiteIn this episode of The Snoball Effect - After Dark, Chad shocks the world with his foolproof argument for why a marketing team is more likely than sales to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.Christian demonstrates a suspicious amount of experience with prison culture and Chad successfully pulls the heartstrings of passersby with an excellent billboard baby.You won't want to miss a second of this one. Except for the first 2 minutes, those aren't important.Is this episode informative?Kind of.Entertaining?Absolutely.A ringing endorsement of the podcasting format?Well, only if you like your marketing advice sandwiched between stupidity and questionable life choices.SnoballWord of Mouth Marketing. Done for You.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

November 27, 20245 min

Easy Advocacy: How to Make Referrals Seamless for Your Customers [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Snoball Effect, Todd Jensen, CMO at Snoball, emphasizes the importance of simplifying advocacy to drive customer referrals and reviews in the home services industry. As part of a webinar series, he draws on insights from over 250,000 customer interactions to highlight actionable strategies for effective Word of Mouth Marketing. A central theme of his presentation is the critical need to make referral processes effortless and intuitive, which ensures higher engagement and satisfaction for both customers and businesses.Todd discusses several practical approaches to streamline referral marketing. For instance, leveraging QR codes can create seamless pathways for customers to engage, such as scanning to join referral programs or access rewards pages. He highlights a successful case study with JK Moving, which creatively integrated QR codes on flyers and in strategic partnerships with storage facilities. Furthermore, Todd underscores the value of personalized, shareable web pages that not only inform customers about referral incentives but also enable easy sharing across community platforms like neighborhood Facebook groups or HOA boards.Avoiding common pitfalls is equally important. Todd advises against complicating referral processes with extensive forms, excessive data requirements, or outdated methods like PDFs. He introduces the "Rule of 100" as a guideline for crafting concise communications—keeping emails under 100 words and text messages under 100 characters to ensure they are read and acted upon. By combining these best practices, businesses can simplify their advocacy efforts, increasing referral leads and strengthening customer relationships.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

November 22, 202446 min

Is Podcasting Worth It? [AFTER DARK]

Send us Fan MailIs #podcasting worth it? Is Tide in a pickle? Do bartenders deserve better treatment? Is The Snoball Effect the greatest #marketing podcast this side of the Susquehanna?We tackle these hard-hitting questions in this #hilarious episode of The Snoball Effect.It’s a hodgepodge of chaotic marketing debates, random hot takes, and enough off-topic banter to make you forget the original question.The participants throw out gems like "sticky leather" as a substitute for duct tape and somehow connect babysitting services to bird care.Meanwhile, serious debate about podcast value devolves into personal jabs, questionable stats, and even some marketing copy that Christian's mom is definitely not allowed to hear.It's a whirlwind of numbers, laughter, and inexplicable product pitches. Is it informative?Kind of.Entertaining?Absolutely.A ringing endorsement of the podcasting format?Well, only if you like your marketing advice sandwiched between crass jokes and questionable life choices.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

November 21, 20245 min

Identifying Moments of Delight to Attract Customer Referrals [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Snoball Effect podcast, Todd Jensen emphasizes the importance of timing when messaging customers, particularly for nurturing referrals. Todd introduces two "honeymoon phases" as key moments for engagement. The first occurs when a customer is new and most enthusiastic, which makes it the ideal time to ask for referrals, as data shows a higher referral rate and lower detractor rate at this stage. The second honeymoon phase happens after a customer refers someone and receives a reward. This renewed excitement presents another prime opportunity to re-engage and build a lasting relationship.Todd discusses the importance of identifying "moments of delight" — periods when customers feel positive and receptive to outreach. For example, when a referred customer progresses well in the sales pipeline, notifying the original referrer can spark excitement and create a co-advocate for closing the deal. Todd advises automating this process with CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot to track customer sentiments and follow up at optimal times. This approach ensures that companies maintain timely, relevant communication without overburdening sales teams with manual tracking.Todd also shares common pitfalls in referral timing. One error is asking for referrals before a job is completed, which can be perceived as premature and disrupt the customer experience. Another mistake is failing to engage customers promptly during the honeymoon phases.Todd stresses that timing matters, likening customers' enthusiasm to the short shelf life of fast food; engaging too late diminishes its effectiveness. He concludes by advising businesses to avoid contacting customers on high-stress days, such as during a moving process, and instead focus on reaching out when positive experiences are fresh.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

November 14, 202440 min

Is Google Evil?: Two Marketers, One Winner [AFTER DARK]

Send us Fan MailIs #Google evil? Is whispering too attractive? Is Todd a biased cheater? What do a globe, a stapler, and Uncrustables have to do with one another? We tackle these #marketing questions and more in this special #podcast episode of The Snoball Effect.Get in Touch:- Website- Podcast- Schedule a Demo of Snoball Overview:In this episode of The Snoball Effect, host Todd Jensen challenges marketing enthusiasts Chad Zollinger and Christian Jones to a series of fast-paced contests to determine who’s the best marketer at Snoball.Each challenge gives the contestants just two minutes to prepare, underscoring the need for creativity under pressure.The first competition, Prop-a-ganda, tasks Chad and Christian with creating billboards to promote a grape-flavored Uncrustables sandwich using a prop. Chad, equipped with a globe, must use visuals only, while Christian, with a stapler, can only use words. The imaginative concepts lead to a lively debate on the most effective advertising methods.The second challenge, Marketing Meltdown, dives into a contentious marketing debate where one contestant must argue that “Google is Evil,” and the other defends it. Christian passionately argues Google's monopolistic power, presenting it as exploitative of small businesses.For the final challenge, Company Branding, Chad and Christian are tasked with creating a name and tagline for a fictional app that helps parents communicate better with teenagers.Chapters:Chapter 1. Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:02:29)Introduction of Chad Zollinger and Christian Jones. These two marketing wannabes will debate, present, and cajole their way to either victory or defeat.Chapter 2. Whispering into Your Customer's Ear (00:02:30 - 00:04:27)If you could whisper one phrase into the ears of your customer right when they're making their purchase decision, what would you say? We get crazy with it.Chapter 3. Marketing Challenge 1 - Prop-a-ganda (00:04:28 - 00:13:34)Insights into propaganda strategies and how perceptions are influenced in marketing.Chapter 4. Points & Results - Prop-a-ganda (00:13:35 - 00:15:48)Todd offers final judgement on our marketing presentations. He is biased and unfair. Chapter 5. Marketing Challenge 2 - Is Google Evil? Marketing Meltdown (00:15:49 - 00:25:23)Christian and Chad passionately argue the question of whether Google’s influence on the market and its control over online information constitute "evil" behavior.Chapter 6. Points & Results - Is Google Evil? (00:25:24 - 00:29:50)Todd offers final judgement on our "Is Google Evil?" debate. He is predictably biased and unfair. His take is questionable, as always.Chapter 7. Marketing Challenge 3 - In a World... (00:29:51 - 00:35:49)In this challenge, Christian and Chad are tasked with developing a business name and tagline for a new SaaS app aimed at bridging communication gaps between parents and their teenage children.Chapter 8. Points & Results - In a World... (00:35:50 - 00:39:20)Todd evaluates Christian and Chad's proposed names and taglines, awarding points based on creativity, relevance, and humor. Chapter 9. Closing Remarks (00:39:21 - End)The episode concludes with Christian getting in a final, vindictive word about the unfair judgement of Todd Jensen. Todd delivers final comments, reflecting on the day's challenges, and awarding overall points.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

November 7, 202436 min

Transforming Customer Relationships through the Art of Gifting w/ Kris Rudeegraap [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailThis episode features Kris Rudeegraap, Co-CEO of Sendoso, in conversation with Todd Jensen, CMO of Snoball, exploring how gifting and direct mail can significantly impact B2B sales outcomes. Kris explains that Sendoso’s platform helps revenue teams achieve impressive results, such as increasing second-call rates sixfold and accelerating deal closures by 29%. He emphasizes that gifting goes beyond transactional gestures, fostering meaningful connections that enhance customer experiences and create lasting impressions. Kris highlights that by carefully integrating gifting into the sales process, companies can cultivate deeper relationships with customers, ultimately influencing their loyalty and decision-making.Kris and Todd discuss the often-overlooked post-sales phase, where many salespeople disengage after a deal closes. Kris underscores the importance of maintaining relationships even after the initial sale, suggesting that consistent engagement can pay dividends if a customer changes companies or revisits a decision later. By nurturing these relationships, salespeople can ensure smooth handoffs, reinforcing trust and making customers feel valued. This long-term approach aligns with Sendoso’s mission to make customer retention and repeat business a natural extension of the buyer's journey.The conversation also touches on the entrepreneurial journey, with Kris reflecting on the humble beginnings of Sendoso, which he co-founded at a shared desk. He and Todd share anecdotes of their early career days, noting how these experiences built resilience and adaptability. They agree that starting small, whether it’s a workspace or marketing approach, can teach foundational skills critical for scaling a business. Kris’s insights offer a clear message: focusing on personal connections through strategic touchpoints can lead to significant returns and build a brand customers trust over the long term. Get in touch with Kris:- LinkedIn- WebsiteFollow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

October 31, 202428 min

Multi-Channel Outreach Strategies in Modern Marketing w/ Ruben Ugarte [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Snoball Effect, Ruben Ugarte, GM of Home Services at ActiveProspect, shares insights into how consent-based marketing is evolving and becoming critical for lead optimization.He discusses the transformation of customer outreach, which has shifted from traditional, repetitive cold-calling to a multi-faceted, consent-driven approach. Ruben highlights that today's marketing demands a sophisticated outreach strategy, including phone calls, text messages, emails, and even video content, often facilitated by AI and chatbots.This shift toward omni-channel outreach allows companies to reach potential customers through their preferred platforms, improving response rates and respecting customer preferences.ActiveProspect's approach, as Ruben outlines, leverages technology to refine lead processes, ensuring that outreach is both effective and compliant.By automating lead verification and optimizing lead qualification, ActiveProspect helps clients maximize the ROI on their marketing investments.Ruben's insights underscore how integrating consent-based marketing with data-driven strategies can empower businesses to engage more responsibly and productively with their customers, paving the way for better customer experiences and higher quality leads.Reach out to Ruben:Email: ruben[at]activeprospect[dot]comLinkedIn WebsiteFollow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

October 24, 20245 min

From Message to Referral: The Role of Consistency in Word of Mouth [PLAYBOOK]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Snoball Effect podcast, Todd Jensen, the CMO of Snoball, highlights the importance of consistency in referral marketing, particularly for home service companies.Todd explains that a single outreach is rarely enough to generate referrals; instead, building relationships over time through consistent communication is key.He emphasizes that around 60% of referrals occur after the initial connection, and it often takes more than two interactions to encourage customers to send their first referral.This means businesses need to shift their mindset to viewing referral requests as part of an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time transaction. Todd provides a unique perspective by recommending businesses ask for referrals early in their interactions with customers.This approach allows companies to immediately gauge customer sentiment and take corrective action if needed.For example, a customer who declines to provide a referral and mentions unresolved issues becomes an opportunity to address those concerns.On the other hand, customers who respond positively but can’t think of a referral right away can be nurtured through ongoing communication, ensuring the brand stays top of mind for future opportunities.The episode also touches on common mistakes businesses make in their referral programs.Todd cautions against "one and done" messaging, where companies send mass referral requests sporadically.He argues that this approach feels impersonal and can alienate customers. Instead, he advocates for a more deliberate, managed referral program that engages customers consistently, ensuring that the brand is part of their natural conversations and interactions over time.Todd concludes by underscoring the importance of taking ownership of the referral program rather than offloading it to sales teams or technicians, who may lack the capacity to nurture these relationships effectively.Follow and chime in on LinkedIn.Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.