98. What Actually Gets You Booked: My Portfolio Strategy That Works in 2025
Your portfolio is beautiful. Your case studies are organized. Your screenshots are perfectly curated. So why aren't potential clients reaching out? If you're tired of having amazing work that somehow isn't translating into consistent bookings—or if you're exhausted from pitching clients who should already see your value—this episode will shift how you think about your portfolio entirely. I'm sharing the exact 3-strategy framework that's helped me avoid cold pitching for over 6 years. Instead of chasing clients and convincing them I'm qualified, they come to me already sold on what I can do. This isn't about creating more content or perfecting your case studies—it's about strategically positioning the work you've already done so it does the selling for you. You'll discover:Why treating your portfolio like a resume is keeping you in pitch mode (and what to do instead)The three specific places to position your results so clients discover your value before they ever reach outHow to structure case studies that help potential clients envision their own transformationThe psychology behind why this approach completely changes the sales conversation The transformation: By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly when, where, and how to position your portfolio so it attracts ideal clients who are already convinced they want to work with you. If this approach resonates and you're ready to build case studies that actually convert, my Portfolio Building Class walks you through the exact templates and scripts I use. You'll get the same Canva template I used for case studies, plus strategic guidance for positioning yourself from day one—even if you're just starting out. Links mentioned:Portfolio Building Class: https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/collections/classes/products/portfolio (use code PORTFOLIO20 for $20 off)Sugarpunch Results Page: sugarpunchmarketing.com/resultsMarketing Strategy Class: https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/collections/classes/products/marketingReporting Results Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxbOVJdgZciAfbZlLP9tC2jvwIuvQMhwR Your expertise deserves to be seen. Let's make sure the right people discover it.Mentioned in this episode:The Back OfficeYour free resource hub with 7 years of Shanté's best trainings, templates, and field notes organized by topic. Everything that's helped her clients and mentees build profitable social media businesses—now in one searchable place.
Get instant access: https://community.sugarpunchmarketing.com/
2025/7/01
8:55
2025/7/01
8:55
97. How to Create a Social Media Analytics Report That Clients Understand
You’ve been told to “show your value with data”—but what happens when the data still doesn’t land? If you’re a social media manager or service provider who’s ever sent a beautifully designed report only to get silence (or worse, confusion) in return, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. We’re unpacking the real reason most client reporting falls flat—and how to create reports that don’t just show numbers, but build trust. Inside, Shanté shares the exact framework Sugarpunch uses to turn monthly metrics into clarity, context, and client retention gold. You’ll hear:Why most reports fail (and how to tell if yours is one of them)The “Value-Clarity Framework” that reframes metrics as meaningThe report structure that keeps our clients obsessed—and informedHow to handle low numbers with transparency that builds loyaltyThe one change that made clients look forward to report day If you’ve been craving a reporting process that reflects your strategy—not just your stats—this is your episode.✨ If this resonates, you’ll love the Monthly Insights Report Template. It’s the exact one we use for our clients—and it’ll cut your reporting time in half. Grab it here: https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/collections/metrics-reporting/products/monthly-insights-results-report-template You’re not bad at reporting. You’ve just been taught to do it backwards. Let’s fix that—together.📁 RESOURCES & FREEBIES:• Freebies for Social Media Managers – Grab my best guides for free!• My Go-To Tools & Discounts – The exact tools I use to keep my business running smoothly, including contracts, software, and office supplies!• Join the SMM Lounge (FREE Community!) The cozy corner of the internet for social media managers who get it. Connect, vent, and get insights from pros who are in it with you. CONNECT WITH ME:→ Website: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqe-IavMpS-DoIABKH2EjKQ→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarpunchmarketing→ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sugarpunchmarketing→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarpunchmarketing→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegorman/→ Email: shante@sugarpunchmarketing.com ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW & GET REWARDED: ⭐Every month, I’m giving away a free template, class, or bundle to one lucky listener!➤ Step 1: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify➤ Step 2: Send me a screenshot at @sugarpunchmarketing on...
2025/6/24
11:29
2025/6/24
11:29
96. 7 Mistakes I Made Building My Social Media Management Agency from Scratch & What I'd Do Differently
Feeling like you're building your agency on vibes and caffeine?You're not alone. The first few years of running a social media management business can feel like nonstop improvising—especially when no one talks about the behind-the-scenes mistakes we all make.In this anniversary episode, Shanté reflects on 7 real mistakes made while building Sugarpunch Marketing from scratch—and shares exactly what she’d do differently if she were starting over today.You’ll walk away with:A clearer understanding of when (and how) to nicheWhat to include in a portfolio clients actually care aboutWhy building systems beats hustling harderWhat personal branding has to do with client trustHow to manage finances in a way that protects your peaceThis isn’t theory. It’s the systems, scripts, and boundaries that helped Sugarpunch scale—without selling out.✨ If this resonates, you’ll love: → Take the free Content Seasons Quiz: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/quiz → Build your strategy with the Marketing Quickstarter Class: https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/collections/classes/products/marketing → Get your custom strategy done for you: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/strategy-retreatMentioned in this episode:The Back OfficeYour free resource hub with 7 years of Shanté's best trainings, templates, and field notes organized by topic. Everything that's helped her clients and mentees build profitable social media businesses—now in one searchable place.
Get instant access: https://community.sugarpunchmarketing.com/
2025/6/17
13:21
2025/6/17
13:21
95. What's Wrong With Your Content Strategy? 7 Common Mistakes to Fix Now
You’re posting. You’re showing up. But the clients? Still quiet.If your content looks polished but doesn’t convert, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. You might just be building content like a creator, not a strategist. In this episode, Shanté breaks down the 7 most common content strategy mistakes she sees across industries—mistakes that drain your time, cloud your messaging, and keep your audience stuck at “interested” instead of “ready to work with you.” You’ll learn:Why posting like an influencer sabotages your strategyThe 3 content types your business needs (and probably doesn’t have)How to align your content with the actual buyer decision journeyWhy most “viral” posts don’t convert—and what actually doesHow to stop doing more and start doing what works This isn’t about going viral. It’s about building content that moves. Content that holds your voice, earns trust, and guides your audience from scroll to sale. If this resonates, you’ll love: ✨ The Content Seasons Quiz — get clear on what your brand really needs right now 🎓 Marketing Quickstarter Class — build your content engine with strategy-backed templates 📅 Book a Strategy Retreat — done-for-you strategy, delivered in 2–3 weeks 💌 A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR LISTENING: 💌Because you’re listening, you get 15% off any class, template, or bundle in my shop! ✨ Use code POD15 at checkout → https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/discount/POD15 (Expires June 6, 2025) 📁 RESOURCES & FREEBIES:• Freebies for Social Media Managers – Grab my best guides for free!• My Go-To Tools & Discounts – The exact tools I use to keep my business running smoothly, including contracts, software, and office supplies!• Join the SMM Lounge (FREE Community!) The cozy corner of the internet for social media managers who get it. Connect, vent, and get insights from pros who are in it with you. CONNECT WITH ME:→ Website: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqe-IavMpS-DoIABKH2EjKQ→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarpunchmarketing→ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sugarpunchmarketing→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarpunchmarketing→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegorman/→ Email:
2025/6/10
11:53
2025/6/10
11:53
94. Building the Perfect Content Calendar Approval Process: Canva vs. ClickUp for Social Media Managers
If content approvals are slowing you down, stressing you out, or making you want to chuck your calendar out the window—this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact approval workflows I’ve built inside my agency to reduce back-and-forth, keep clients on track, and finally stop chasing feedback. You’ll hear what actually works (and what doesn’t), why we ditched scattered approvals forever, and how to choose the right tool—Canva or ClickUp—based on your business stage. We’ll cover:The real reason content approvals break down (and how to fix it)Why multiple feedback channels = guaranteed chaosThe Canva setup that’s perfect for solo SMMsThe ClickUp workflow that saves my agency hours every weekHow to track status, simplify reviews, and keep clients engaged No fluff. Just real systems that save time, reduce stress, and support sustainable growth. ✨ RESOURCES MENTIONED: ➤ Watch the ClickUp Setup in Action: https://youtu.be/Ez9qz3ROlA0?si=0vEJDlCKrJT1992T ➤ Grab the Canva & ClickUp Templates: https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com ➤ Our Go-To Scheduler: https://f.mtr.cool/NOSAUM ➤ Join the Free SMM Lounge: https://community.sugarpunchmarketing.com/ Ready to ditch approval chaos and create systems your clients actually use? Let’s get into it. 💌 A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR LISTENING: 💌Because you’re listening, you get 15% off any class, template, or bundle in my shop! ✨ Use code POD15 at checkout → https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/discount/POD15 (Expires June 6, 2025) 📁 RESOURCES & FREEBIES:• Freebies for Social Media Managers – Grab my best guides for free!• My Go-To Tools & Discounts – The exact tools I use to keep my business running smoothly, including contracts, software, and office supplies!• Join the SMM Lounge (FREE Community!) The cozy corner of the internet for social media managers who get it. Connect, vent, and get insights from pros who are in it with you. CONNECT WITH ME:→ Website: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqe-IavMpS-DoIABKH2EjKQ→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarpunchmarketing→ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sugarpunchmarketing→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarpunchmarketing→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegorman/→...
Social media management moves fast, and burnout is all too common—but it doesn’t have to be. Social Media Manager Confidential is your go-to for real talk, practical tips, and insider knowledge to help you stay ahead, protect your well-being, and build a business that lets you live life on your terms—whether you’re juggling kids at home or living out your Emily in Paris dreams.
I was a broke single mom turned founder of a multi 6-figure social media management agency and I mentor social media managers working on creating agencies of their own. You can follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and YouTube at @sugarpunchmarketing, and join the free private community of Punchies, head to community.sugarpunchmarketing.com.
South Africa