The Bounce Rate Podcast | IndoorMedia

In this episode, we "expertly" use a chemistry metaphor to break down the elements of local business. Compounds such as compliance, production, location, distribution, advertising, and customer relationships make crucial (and sometimes volatile) reactions. No single element guarantees success.

This episode of The Bounce Rate dives into Valentine's Day: the commercialization, the loyalty, and the relationships with local business. Is there a more romantic medium than email and SMS marketing? We'll find out!

In this special Superbowl episode, football becomes a metaphor for local business, (because of course it does.) Our hosts argue that systems and teamwork can matter more than raw talent, whether you’re running a company or trying not to implode in the fourth quarter. Franchises are discussed as a tempting shortcut for small business owners who’d rather buy a playbook than write one themselves. Along the way, we debate the true reason for the hype (the game vs. the commercials) and much more.One thing is for sure, we are way more informed about local marketing than football.

Failure gets a bad rap.
In this episode of The Bounce Rate, we look at failure from a few different angles: as a teacher, as a measuring stick, and as an unavoidable part of doing literally anything worthwhile. Sometimes a mistake is the thing that makes progress finally visible. Sometimes it’s just a face-plant you have to stand up from and keep moving.
Along the way, we spiral through cruise-ship ice show disasters, early eBay misadventures, the emotional math of online dating, and somehow Shakespeare (obviously.)
If you’ve NEVER failed at anything in your life...this episode is NOT for you. 

Eric Shafer hosts today with James and Roger as they break down gym marketing in the new year, exploring what actually gets people to join and stay: convenience (parking and hours), cleanliness, class vs. facility models, and the power of relationships and retention.
What offers actually work? Day passes, intro sessions, and low-risk memberships? And how do big-box brands compare to boutique studios. We'll talk practical marketing choices (emphasizing differentiation over discounts) and the need to test what works locally.

Let's kick off 2026 with a sincere Batman apology, some resolutions that are definitely happening, and some solid guidance for local businesses in the coming year.
Take bigger risks with creative and ad spend, listen to and learn from customers (including speaking to non-English audiences), and get obsessed with metrics to grow leads and impact in the new year.

In this most festive episode, we riff on favorite holiday films (Batman Returns, Miracle on 34th Street, The Green Knight, and Christmas Vacation) drawing parallels with local marketing and small business ownership. We explore themes of transformation, belief in marketing, taking responsibility for growth, and navigating chaos with optimism and teamwork.

The Bounce Rate is in session. This episode explores how local, class-based businesses (yoga, cooking, pottery, etc.) can grow or respond to challenges. We discuss fundamentals like websites, Google schema, local listings, customer follow-up, and review collection to recover lost revenue.
We also cover marketing tactics (segmentation, differentiation, messaging, and using customer insights) to target the right audience and stand out in crowded local markets.

It’s Thanksgiving 2025 and this episode explores how traditions (from turduckens and seasonal Oreos to office parties and realtor Santa photo days) create powerful marketing opportunities for local and national brands. We discuss family holiday rituals, business traditions that persist or end (Endless Shrimp anyone?), and the balance between consistency and fresh ideas.
The episode emphasizes leaning into traditions to build community, spark repeat engagement, and show longevity for your brand.

In this episode we review November traditions and discuss how seasonal changes affect local businesses: which slow down (like real estate and some home services) and which pick up (like restaurants, dry cleaners, and car washes depending on region). Learn why November–December is a good time to build marketing funnels and customer loyalty even if conversions peak later.