Small Business Marketing Speakers

A small business marketing speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, workshops, or presentations focused on marketing strategies tailored for small businesses. They're not just marketers - they're communicators who translate complex marketing concepts into practical advice that small business owners can actually use.

Unlike general marketing speakers who might focus on enterprise-level strategies, small business marketing speakers zero in on lean tactics. Think local SEO, email list building, social media on a budget, or how to run Facebook ads with $100. Their content is designed for entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats and need results without a massive team or budget.

These speakers often appear at virtual summits, podcasts, webinars, and in-person events. They might be founders of marketing agencies, authors of niche books, or creators of successful small brands. What unites them is their ability to speak directly to the challenges and opportunities unique to small business environments.

For example, someone like Neil Patel might speak broadly about digital marketing, but a small business marketing speaker would break down how a local bakery can use Instagram Reels to drive foot traffic. It's that level of specificity that makes them so valuable.

In short, a small business marketing speaker is a translator, strategist, and motivator rolled into one - helping small business owners grow with clarity and confidence.

When you're running a small business, every decision counts - especially when it comes to marketing. That's where a small business marketing speaker becomes crucial.

First, they bring clarity. Marketing is a noisy space. Between SEO, funnels, TikTok, and AI tools, it's easy to get overwhelmed. A skilled speaker cuts through the noise and shows what actually works for small businesses. They don't pitch vague theories. They give frameworks, checklists, and case studies that you can apply today.

Second, they save time and money. Instead of spending weeks testing random tactics, you get distilled insights from someone who's already done the work. For example, a speaker might share how a solopreneur in Toronto doubled her email list using a simple lead magnet strategy - and then walk you through how to replicate it.

Third, they build confidence. Many small business owners feel like they're behind the curve. A good speaker not only teaches but empowers. They show that you don't need a massive budget or a marketing degree to grow your brand. You just need the right steps.

Finally, they create community. Events featuring these speakers often spark conversations, collaborations, and peer learning. Whether it's a virtual summit or a local meetup, the ripple effect goes far beyond the talk itself.

So if you're wondering whether it's worth bringing in a small business marketing speaker, the answer is yes - especially if you want your audience to walk away with both knowledge and momentum.

Small business marketing speakers do more than just talk - they teach, inspire, and equip entrepreneurs with the tools to grow.

Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

- Deliver Targeted Talks. They present at events, summits, webinars, and podcasts, focusing on marketing strategies that work for small businesses. Topics might include content marketing, lead generation, email automation, or local SEO.

- Customize Content for Specific Audiences. Whether they're speaking to Etsy sellers, fitness coaches, or local service providers, they tailor their message to fit the audience's industry and stage of business.

- Provide Actionable Frameworks. Instead of vague inspiration, they offer step-by-step systems. For example, a speaker might walk through a 5-step funnel for turning Instagram followers into paying clients.

- Stay Current With Trends. They keep up with platform changes, algorithm updates, and emerging tools - and translate that into relevant advice. Think: how to use ChatGPT for content creation or how to adapt to Google's latest local search update.

- Engage With the Community. Many speakers also participate in Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and follow-up workshops. They're not just one-and-done presenters - they often become trusted voices in a community.

In essence, small business marketing speakers act as bridges between fast-moving marketing trends and the practical needs of everyday entrepreneurs. They don't just share what's new - they show how to make it work for you.

Ready to step into the spotlight as a small business marketing speaker? Here's a practical step-by-step guide to help you get started and grow your speaking career:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Focus on a specific area within small business marketing: email automation, local SEO, social media for brick-and-mortar shops, etc.
- Craft a signature talk that solves a real problem for small business owners. For example, 'How to Build a Lead Machine with Zero Ad Spend' is more compelling than 'Marketing Tips for Small Businesses'.

2. Build Your Authority
- Start publishing content: blog posts, LinkedIn articles, short videos. Share real strategies and results.
- Host or guest on virtual summits. Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to connect with event hosts and get booked.
- Create a speaker page that includes your bio, topics, testimonials, and a short video reel. This is your digital business card.

3. Get Speaking Experience
- Start small: local chambers of commerce, co-working spaces, or online webinars.
- Offer to speak for free at first, but always ask for testimonials and permission to record your session.
- Use each talk to refine your delivery and gather social proof.

4. Network with Event Organizers
- Use LinkedIn to connect with summit hosts, podcast producers, and conference planners.
- Join communities like Talks.co where hosts and speakers are matched based on topic and audience fit.
- Pitch yourself with a clear value proposition: what will their audience walk away with?

5. Scale Your Speaking Career
- Once you have a few gigs under your belt, start charging and packaging your offers.
- Bundle your talk with a workshop, ebook, or consulting session.
- Apply to speak at larger events like Traffic & Conversion Summit, Inbound, or regional business expos.

Becoming a small business marketing speaker isn't about being famous. It's about being helpful, relevant, and visible to the right audience. Start where you are, and grow from there.

To be a small business marketing speaker, you don't need a fancy degree or a bestselling book. But you do need a few key ingredients to stand out and deliver real value.

First, you need expertise. That doesn't mean you have to be the world's top marketer. But you should have a proven track record of helping small businesses grow through marketing. Maybe you helped a local bakery triple its foot traffic using Instagram, or you built a lead funnel for a solo consultant. Real-world results matter.

Second, you need a clear message. What's your unique angle? Are you the go-to person for marketing automation for solopreneurs? Do you specialize in helping rural businesses go digital? Your message should solve a specific problem for a specific audience.

Third, you need visibility. This is where platforms like Talks.co come in. Create a speaker page that highlights your topics, experience, and testimonials. It's like a resume for event organizers. You can also use Talks.co to connect directly with summit hosts and podcast producers.

Finally, you need communication skills. You don't have to be a TED-level orator. But you do need to be clear, engaging, and relatable. Practice your talks. Get feedback. Record yourself and improve. The goal is to make your audience feel like you're speaking directly to them.

In short, to be a small business marketing speaker, you need:
- Real marketing experience with small businesses.
- A focused message that solves a pain point.
- A speaker page or online presence that showcases your value.
- The ability to connect and communicate with clarity.

If you've got those, you're already ahead of the game.

Yes, small business marketing speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience size, and event type.
Let's break it down:
Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- New speakers often start with unpaid gigs to build credibility and collect testimonials.
- Mid-level speakers may earn $500 to $2,500 per talk at local conferences or virtual summits.
- Established speakers can command $5,000 to $25,000 per keynote, especially at national events or industry expos.
Factors That Influence Pay
- Audience Size: A 500-person conference usually pays more than a 20-person workshop.
- Event Type: Corporate events tend to pay more than nonprofit or community events.
- Speaker Reputation: If you've published a book, run a successful business, or have a large following, you can charge more.
Virtual vs. In-Person
- Virtual events often pay less, but they're easier to scale. You can do multiple talks in a week without travel.
- In-person events may cover travel and lodging in addition to your fee.
Quick Comparison Table

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range	Example Event Type
Beginner	$0 - $500	Local meetups, webinars
Intermediate	$500 - $2,500	Regional business expos
Advanced	$2,500 - $10,000	National conferences
Celebrity/Expert	$10,000 - $25,000+	Industry summits, keynotes

So yes, small business marketing speakers do get paid. But it's not just about the talk. It's about the value you bring to the audience and the event.

Small business marketing speakers make money in several ways, and speaking fees are just one piece of the puzzle. Let's look at the revenue streams they tap into:

1. Speaking Fees
- These are direct payments from event organizers. As mentioned earlier, fees can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands depending on the speaker's experience and the event size.

2. Product or Service Promotion
- Many speakers use their stage time to promote a course, book, or consulting offer.
- Example: A speaker might give a free talk on '5 Ways to Grow Your Local Business with Email Marketing' and then pitch a $297 course at the end.

3. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
- Some speakers partner with tools or platforms they already use. For instance, a speaker who teaches content marketing might have a sponsorship deal with a scheduling tool like Buffer or Later.

4. Virtual Summits and Affiliate Revenue
- Hosting or participating in virtual summits can generate affiliate income.
- Speakers often promote the summit and earn a commission on ticket or bundle sales.

5. Workshops and Consulting
- After a talk, speakers often get hired to run private workshops or offer one-on-one consulting.
- These sessions can be more lucrative than the talk itself.

6. Books and Digital Products
- Publishing a book or selling templates, checklists, and guides is another income stream.
- These products often serve as lead magnets or upsells after a speaking engagement.

In short, small business marketing speakers build a business around their speaking. The talk is the door opener... the real money comes from what happens after.

The income of small business marketing speakers varies widely, and it's influenced by experience, niche, and how diversified their revenue streams are.

Entry-Level Speakers
- These are folks just starting out, often speaking at local meetups or online events.
- Typical earnings: $0 to $500 per talk.
- Annual income: $5,000 to $20,000 if speaking is part-time.

Mid-Tier Speakers
- These speakers have a few years of experience, a speaker page, and a few testimonials.
- Typical earnings: $1,000 to $5,000 per talk.
- Annual income: $30,000 to $100,000, especially if paired with consulting or product sales.

Top-Tier Speakers
- These are the keynote-level experts with books, courses, and a strong personal brand.
- Typical earnings: $5,000 to $25,000+ per talk.
- Annual income: $100,000 to $500,000+, depending on how many events they do and how well they monetize after the talk.

Other Income Factors
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks may pay less but allow for more volume.
- Geography: Speakers in the US, UK, and Australia often command higher fees than in emerging markets.
- Niche Demand: If you specialize in a high-demand area like AI-driven marketing for small businesses, you can charge more.

In summary, small business marketing speakers can make anywhere from a few thousand to multiple six figures annually. It all depends on how they position themselves and how well they monetize beyond the stage.

Hiring a small business marketing speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on several variables. Here's a breakdown:

Cost Tiers
- Local or Emerging Speakers: $250 to $1,000.
- Ideal for community events, local business groups, or online webinars.
- Experienced Professionals: $1,000 to $5,000.
- These speakers often have a speaker page, some media exposure, and solid case studies.
- High-Demand Experts: $5,000 to $15,000.
- Typically keynote speakers at national conferences or industry summits.
- Celebrity-Level Speakers: $15,000 to $50,000+.
- These include bestselling authors or founders of well-known marketing platforms.

What Influences Cost?
- Event Type: Corporate events usually have bigger budgets than nonprofit or community events.
- Customization: A speaker who tailors their talk to your audience may charge more.
- Travel and Lodging: For in-person events, these are often billed separately.

Virtual vs. In-Person
- Virtual events are generally more affordable. Many speakers offer discounted rates for online summits, especially if the audience is large or the event is recorded.

Package Deals
- Some speakers bundle their talks with workshops, consulting, or digital products.
- Example: A $3,000 keynote + $2,000 half-day workshop = $5,000 total package.

So if you're planning an event and want to book a small business marketing speaker, expect to budget anywhere from $500 to $25,000 depending on your goals and the speaker's profile.

- Seth Godin: Known for his books like 'Purple Cow' and 'This is Marketing', Seth has influenced generations of marketers. His talks blend storytelling with sharp insights about how small businesses can stand out.
- Jay Baer: A customer experience and digital marketing expert, Jay's talks are packed with data and actionable advice. His book 'Youtility' is a go-to for small business owners.
- Ann Handley: As the author of 'Everybody Writes', Ann is a master of content marketing. Her speaking style is warm, witty, and incredibly practical for small business audiences.
- Melinda Emerson: Also known as the 'SmallBizLady', Melinda is a leading voice in small business strategy. Her talks focus on startup growth, marketing, and social selling.
- John Jantsch: Creator of the Duct Tape Marketing system, John has been a fixture in the small business world for decades. His talks are structured, tactical, and easy to implement.
- Pam Slim: Author of 'Escape from Cubicle Nation', Pam speaks about entrepreneurship and marketing with a focus on community and long-term growth.
- Marcus Sheridan: Known as 'The Sales Lion', Marcus turned around his struggling pool business with content marketing. His talks are high-energy and full of real-world examples.
- Marie Forleo: While more known for her online business empire, Marie's insights into branding and audience connection are gold for small business marketers.
- Noah Kagan: Founder of AppSumo, Noah brings a startup-savvy, data-driven approach to marketing. His talks often include live experiments and audience interaction.
- Brian Clark: Founder of Copyblogger, Brian's influence on content marketing is massive. His talks are ideal for small businesses looking to build authority online.

- Neil Patel (USA/UK): Co-founder of Crazy Egg and Ubersuggest, Neil is a global name in SEO and digital marketing. His talks are data-rich and tailored for small business owners who want to grow online.
- Rand Fishkin (USA): Founder of Moz and SparkToro, Rand is a favorite at global marketing conferences. He breaks down complex topics like search and audience intelligence in a way that's accessible and engaging.
- Shama Hyder (USA/India): CEO of Zen Media, Shama is known for her insights on digital transformation for small businesses. She's spoken at the United Nations and global tech summits.
- Andrew Davis (USA): A former TV producer turned marketing speaker, Andrew's talks are highly visual and storytelling-driven. He's a hit at both corporate and small business events.
- Allan Dib (Australia): Author of 'The 1-Page Marketing Plan', Allan's frameworks are beloved by small business owners worldwide. His talks focus on simplicity and execution.
- Toke Kruse (Denmark): Founder of Billy accounting software, Toke speaks on SaaS marketing and growth for small businesses in Europe and beyond.
- Janet Machuka (Kenya): A rising voice in African digital marketing, Janet is known for her work in influencer strategy and small business branding.
- Chris Ducker (UK/Philippines): Founder of Youpreneur, Chris speaks on personal branding and marketing for solopreneurs and small teams.
- Tina Tower (Australia): An advocate for women in business, Tina speaks on scaling small businesses using online courses and automation.
- Liam Austin (Australia): As the founder of Entrepreneurs HQ and Talks.co, Liam connects global experts with virtual audiences. His talks focus on virtual summits, lead generation, and small business growth strategies.

Myth #1: Small business marketing speakers only talk to startups.
This one's widespread, especially among those new to the speaking circuit. The assumption is that if you're a small business marketing speaker, your only audience is bootstrapped founders in their first year. In reality, many small business marketing speakers are invited to speak at mid-sized company retreats, chamber of commerce events, and even corporate innovation summits. Why? Because the principles of lean marketing, customer intimacy, and agile branding apply far beyond startups. Take someone like Melinda Emerson, known as the 'SmallBizLady'-her talks are just as relevant to a 50-person company as they are to a solo entrepreneur.

Myth #2: You need to be a bestselling author to get booked.
Sure, having a book helps, but it's not a requirement. What matters more is your clarity of message and your ability to deliver value. Many successful speakers have built their reputation through consistent content creation-think podcasts, webinars, or even LinkedIn posts. If you're delivering actionable insights and building a niche audience, event organizers will notice. In fact, some of the most in-demand speakers today built their platform through YouTube tutorials or TikTok explainers.

Myth #3: Speaking is just a side hustle.
This myth underestimates the business of speaking. For many small business marketing speakers, it's a full-time career. They monetize not just through keynotes, but also through workshops, digital courses, consulting, and affiliate partnerships. The speaking gig is often the top of the funnel. Once you're on stage, you're building trust-and that trust converts into long-term business relationships.

Myth #4: You need to be extroverted to succeed.
Nope. Some of the most compelling speakers are introverts who prepare deeply and deliver with authenticity. It's not about being the loudest in the room. It's about clarity, empathy, and relevance. If you're solving real problems for small business owners-like how to generate leads on a tight budget or how to build a brand without an agency-you'll resonate, no matter your personality type.

Myth #5: Small business marketing speakers are all saying the same thing.
This one ignores the diversity of voices in the space. From rural micro-business specialists in the Midwest to digital-first marketers in Southeast Asia, the perspectives are rich and varied. The best speakers bring their unique lens-whether it's cultural, regional, or industry-specific-and tailor their message to the audience in front of them.

When you think about successful small business marketing speakers, it's not just about who's on the biggest stage. It's about who's making the biggest difference in their niche. Take Ramon Ray, for example. He started out as a tech journalist and built a reputation for helping small businesses understand digital tools. His talks are high-energy, packed with real-world examples, and laser-focused on helping entrepreneurs take action. Over time, he's spoken at events hosted by Dell, Microsoft, and even the White House. But what really sets him apart is his ability to connect with audiences who feel overlooked by traditional marketing advice.

Then there's Amanda Bond, known for her sharp takes on Facebook advertising. She didn't start with a massive platform. She built her brand by teaching small business owners how to run profitable ad campaigns without wasting money. Her speaking gigs often include live ad audits and audience Q&A-making her sessions feel more like workshops than lectures. That hands-on approach has landed her on stages at Social Media Marketing World and Traffic & Conversion Summit.

In Australia, Tim Reid (host of the Small Business Big Marketing podcast) has carved out a space as a go-to speaker for local businesses looking to punch above their weight. His talks blend humor, case studies, and practical frameworks. One of his standout sessions involved breaking down how a local butcher used podcasting to double foot traffic. That kind of hyper-specific storytelling resonates deeply with small business owners who want tactics, not theory.

And let's not forget about speakers who focus on underserved communities. In South Africa, Vusi Thembekwayo has become a powerful voice for entrepreneurship in emerging markets. His talks often challenge conventional marketing wisdom and push audiences to think beyond Western frameworks. That global perspective is increasingly valuable as more events seek diverse viewpoints.

What unites all these speakers? They don't just talk about marketing-they live it. They test strategies, share results, and adapt their message to meet the needs of real businesses. Whether they're speaking to 30 people in a coworking space or 3,000 at a global summit, their impact is measured by the businesses they help grow.

The landscape for small business marketing speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. Not because of buzzwords, but because of real changes in how small businesses consume information and make decisions. If you're thinking about stepping into this space-or staying ahead of the curve-here are some trends worth watching.

First, hybrid events are here to stay. Even as in-person conferences return, many organizers are keeping a virtual component. That means speakers need to master both formats. It's not just about having a good webcam. It's about knowing how to engage a split audience, deliver value in shorter segments, and use digital tools to keep the conversation going after the talk.

Second, there's growing demand for niche expertise. General marketing advice is everywhere. What people want now is specificity. If you specialize in marketing for eco-conscious brands, or you help local service businesses rank on Google Maps, you're more likely to get booked. The more targeted your message, the more valuable you become.

Third, content repurposing is becoming a speaker's secret weapon. A single talk can be turned into a podcast episode, a LinkedIn carousel, a YouTube short, and a lead magnet. Speakers who think like content marketers are building bigger audiences and getting more inbound requests. It's not just about the stage anymore-it's about the ecosystem.

Here are a few key trends to keep an eye on:
- AI-powered personalization. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper are helping speakers tailor their content to specific industries or regions in real time.
- Community-first events. More conferences are prioritizing interactivity-think roundtables, live Q&A, and breakout sessions. Speakers who can facilitate, not just present, will stand out.
- Global reach through micro-events. Platforms like Hopin and Airmeet are enabling speakers to reach international audiences without leaving their home office.
- Demand for transparency. Audiences want to know what worked, what didn't, and what the speaker actually did. Case studies and real numbers are more persuasive than polished slides.

The future belongs to speakers who are agile, authentic, and audience-obsessed. If you're willing to evolve with the needs of small businesses, there's plenty of opportunity ahead.

- Talks.co. A smart platform that matches podcast hosts with potential guests. If you're trying to build your speaking resume, this is a great place to start. Use it to get on niche shows that align with your expertise-especially ones focused on small business or marketing.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your speaker profile, browse open calls for speakers, and connect with event organizers. Pro tip: Optimize your profile with specific keywords like 'email marketing for local businesses' to show up in more searches.

- Canva. Not just for social media graphics. Use it to design clean, professional slide decks that are easy to update. Their presentation templates are especially handy for speakers who want to look polished without hiring a designer.

- Otter.ai. Great for transcribing your talks, podcast interviews, or practice sessions. Reviewing transcripts helps you refine your message and repurpose content into blog posts or social media snippets.

- Notion. Use it to organize your speaking assets-bios, headshots, talk outlines, testimonials, and event contacts. Having everything in one place makes it easier to pitch yourself or respond to last-minute opportunities.

- LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn it on to showcase your speaking topics, build authority, and attract event organizers. Post short clips from your talks, share behind-the-scenes prep, or write about trends in small business marketing.

- Eventbrite. Not just for attending events-use it to research what kinds of small business marketing events are happening in your area or niche. Reach out to organizers with a tailored pitch that shows how your talk fits their audience.

- Descript. A powerful tool for editing video and audio. If you're creating a speaker reel or want to polish your webinar recordings, this makes it easy-even if you're not a techie.

These tools won't do the work for you, but they'll make it a whole lot easier to show up like a pro. Combine them with a clear message and a consistent outreach strategy, and you're well on your way to becoming a booked-out small business marketing speaker.