Podcast

February 13th, 2025

The Apple Cart: S1, E5: Niches, Coaching and Conferences: How to Grow a Modern Business

In this episode of the Apple Cart, I’m joined by Amanda Webb to talk about how you can grow a moderngrow modern business business and some things you might want to try.

Amanda calls herself an analytics geek and is based in the Republic of Ireland. She is a digital marketing ROI and analytics mentor, trainer & consultant and helps her clients to get more ROI from your digital marketing.

The former host of the long-running and successful Digital Coffee Show, she now hosts That Analytics Show, a live video show delving into all things marketing and analytics.

Listen to the Interview

How Amanda Niched into Analytics

As Amanda says herself, she’s been through a lot of iterations in her business. “But analytics has always been at the heart of it. When I started my focus was just on social media, but I didn’t really enjoy it. So that evolved into being an all-round digital marketer.

“And while I was doing that, alongside marketing training, I got into blogging, which led me to analytics. At first, I just wanted to see how many visitors I was getting and what they did on my site. But high visitor numbers on their own don’t mean money.

“So I dug into my own analytics. I looked at which posts and pages were performing well and got rid of those that weren’t. Over time my analytics meant my website was working for me. And it was suggested that I make this a focus. Having a niche makes it much easier to tell people how you help them.”

The Benefits of Business Coaching to Grow a Modern Business

Amanda and I have both had business coaching, and actually worked with the same people. Amanda did the ‘Rebels’ programme from marketers Andrew and Pete. But it wasn’t something she did early on in her business:

“I had never been excited about having a coach. I like to try and do everything myself, and I don’t want to be told I’m doing the wrong things. But post-pandemic I had money to invest back into the business, so I did.

“So I gave it some thought and picked people I’d trust to give me the right advice. And I’d known them long enough that they understood my business. Plus they do things differently, so I decided they were a good fit.”

We agree that coaching can have a huge impact on your business, but you need to choose someone you trust implicitly. If you don’t know a coach personally, take the time to do your research. We’ve also both worked with Mike Cole, who listens and has your best interests at heart. That’s what you really need. It can be a costly mistake if you pick the wrong person.

Grow modern business

How Conferences Help You to Grow a Modern Business

Amanda and I first met at a business and marketing conference, and she recommends attending them. However, they can be expensive, so make the most of them. They’re a great way to meet people and build relationships.

For Amanda, there are two conferences she goes to regularly: “I’ve been a few times to Social Media Marketing World in San Diego and met lots of people I’ve ended up doing business with. But it’s expensive to get there, and the city’s not cheap either.

“And the other one is Atomicon. But as well as the expense, it’s time out of the business. So you need a reason to go. But not with an agenda to sell things, because that won’t work. So go with a plan to meet people who’ll be good contacts for your business. And look at how you can help them, not just what they can do for you.”

Amanda’s Creative Hobbies

Having a live video show is a way for Amanda to be creative, but it can be tiring. “So it’s important for me to have a creative outlet that’s separate to my work. That’s why I love to knit, whether that’s socks, jumpers or little toys.

“And there’s a joy you get that’s similar to when you create something for your business. Plus it stops me looking at my phone! I also enjoy baking and working out. Because for me, I like to be able to see that I’ve created something.”

However, Amanda warns that knitting isn’t as relaxing as you think! “It can be stressful when you drop stitches. It’s not little old ladies peacefully knitting! They’re not as calm as they look!”

Timestamps

• 04:49- 06:01: What is an analytics geek
• 06:11 – 08:59: How Amanda niched into analytics
• 09:55 – 11:49: The benefits of business coaching
• 14:57 – 18:30: Amanda’s experiences with live video shows
• 19:51 – 22:39: Novelty advent calendars
• 24:26 – 27:58: Why business owners should go to conferences
• 32:38 – 34:47: Amanda’s creative hobbies

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