Marketing Made Social

In this episode, I sit down with Vicki Jakes for an insightful conversation about digital marketing, social media, and how they intersect with building a business in the health and wellness space. Together, we break down Vicki's transition from corporate marketing to running her own business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of prioritizing sales and visibility. We dive into Vicki’s professional journey—from working on London-based magazines and big corporate websites to becoming a social media consultant and ad specialist. We explore the balance between organic content and paid advertising, the necessity of appearing on camera to build trust, and the specific challenges of marketing in the menopause space in 2026, where platforms often deprioritize women's health content. Importantly, we discuss practical tips for new business owners to get their name out there and the value of testing different "hooks" and niches on social media. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest 01:32 Vicki’s Journey: From Publishing and Corporate Websites to Social Media Consultant 03:54 The Challenges of Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship 08:07 Fusing Healthcare with Marketing and Understanding Client Needs 13:58 Top Tips for New Business Owners: Prioritizing Sales and Marketing 17:58 Introducing the "Ad Room" and Entry-Level Marketing Strategies 19:51 Organic Content vs. Paid Ads: Finding Your Niche and Hooks 24:06 The Importance of Being on Camera to Showcase Expertise 27:26 Navigating Social Media Censorship in Women's Health and Menopause 30:26 Using Instagram "Trial Reels" for Practice and Testing 31:57 The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Run Healthcare Ads 34:02 Closing Thoughts: Have Fun with Marketing Connect with Vicki Jakes: LinkedIn: Search for Vicki Jakes Instagram: Search for Vicki Jakes (Vicki with an I) Membership: The Ad Room Meet your host Lauren Chiren Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond. About Women of a Certain Stage We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organizations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success. Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ Connect with Lauren LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren