Top Podcasts for Iowa Small Business Owners: Inspiration on the Go

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You want insights specific to local marketing tactics.
• You're looking to boost brand awareness and sales in your community.
• Pass on this one if:
• You prefer marketing strategies that are applicable on a national or global scale rather than focusing on local tactics.
• Favorite episodes:
• Building a Holistic Local Marketing Strategy - If you only listen to one episode here, this is a FAVORITE of mine!
• Staying True to Your Brand Values & Showing Up with Intention

2. How I Built My Small Business

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Entrepreneurs share their journeys, challenges, and successes in this inspiring podcast. Each episode dives into the nitty-gritty of building a small business from the ground up. You'll hear from a diverse range of business owners who candidly discuss their ups and downs, providing a wealth of insights and lessons learned. This podcast is perfect for those who love a good entrepreneurial story and want to learn from the experiences of others. It's like having a coffee chat with a fellow entrepreneur who’s been there and done that.

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You love hearing personal success stories and learning from others' experiences.
• You're in need of some entrepreneurial inspiration.
• Pass on this one if:
• You prefer more structured, tip-focused content.
• Favorite episodes:
• Can Creativity Cure Disconnect? How “Late Night Art” is bringing people together IRL
• DIY Marketing Secrets for Local Businesses from “Epic Nine”

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You run a brick-and-mortar business.
• You're interested in community-driven business strategies.
• Pass on this one if:
• You're solely focused on online business.
• Favorite episodes:
• The Art of Understanding Local Markets
• Coping with Isolation & Building Community

4. Building in a Small Town

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“Building in a Small Town,” hosted by Shelby Smith of Colo, IA shares conversations with hometown Iowa entrepreneurs, community leaders, and policymakers about how they are developing businesses and communities in small towns. Each episode dives into the stories and experiences of those shaping the future of small-town America, exploring both the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You’re interested in small-town business dynamics.
• You want to hear from hyper-local Iowa entrepreneurs and leaders.
• Pass on this one if:
• You prefer a focus on larger urban markets.
• Favorite episodes:
• From Dental Assisting to Selling Tea at the Farmers Market to Having a Local Storefront - Mary Lewellin
• Coffee & Carpet Cleaning - Mel & Russ Terhaar

5. The Found Podcast 

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"The Found Podcast" with Molly Knuth is dedicated to women who are building and discovering their businesses online. Molly shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a social media marketer and business owner. The podcast focuses on personal growth, unique business strategies, and the balance of work and family life. Molly's mission is to help women create fulfilling lives and impactful businesses.

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You're a female entrepreneur looking for inspiration and practical advice.
• You want to balance business growth with personal well-being.
• Pass on this one if:
• You prefer male-oriented or corporate business content.
• Favorite episodes:
• Taking Risks in Business & Life
• 3 Things I Wish Small Business Owners Knew About Their Marketing

6. Small Business & Startup Stories DSM

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"Small Business & Startup Stories" features conversations with entrepreneurs who share both their victories and failures on their paths to success. Produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, this podcast provides valuable insights into the journeys of small business owners and startup founders in the DSM area.

• This would be a good listen for you if:
• You enjoy hearing authentic stories of business success and challenges.
• You're interested in the local startup scene in Des Moines.
• Pass on this one if:
• You prefer stories from larger, more established businesses.
• Favorite episodes:
• Starting Her Own Practice: How Courtney Buhrow build Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness
• Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive - Another favorite of mine growing up as a rural Iowan

BONUS! Give them all a listen! Go to my podcast playlist on spotify and binge the whole list at your multitasking leisure. Add it to your library to save it for later!

There you have it, friend—my top 6 favorite podcasts for local Iowa small businesses! Each of these shows offers something unique, whether it's actionable advice, inspiring stories, or expert insights. Give them a listen and see which ones resonate with you. 

Happy listening, and here’s to building a stronger Iowa! 

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At Studio A Designs, I believe in challenging corporations with powerful local branding. Your brand and website should attract and retain customers who prefer Main Street & local Iowa businesses over big box giants. Ready to turn customers into loyal fans who say, "I love local, I love you, and I'll definitely be back"? 

Contact me today, and let's talk about how brand transformation for your business can strengthen your Iowa community!