The Marketing Mistakes That Kill Your Exit Value

Most business owners think their exit comes down to timing, valuation, or finding the right buyer. In reality, the biggest factor is much simpler — and often ignored: marketing.

In this episode, Shaun sits down with marketing expert Ken Countess to break down the biggest marketing mistakes small business owners make today. From email marketing and social media to AI, SEO, and Google visibility, this conversation reveals how weak marketing quietly destroys business value long before an owner ever tries to sell. If you want a business that buyers actually want, it starts with how you show up in the market right now.

📌Connect or follow Shaun Thornton

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunthorntonbusinessbroker/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunThorntonBusinessBroker/

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyBuyerHappySellerPodcast

00:00 – Why Most Businesses Never Sell

02:05 – Meet Ken Countess (Marketing Background)

06:20 – The #1 Mistake Killing Business Value

11:40 – How Much Time You Should Spend on Marketing

16:10 – The Marketing Toolbox You Actually Need

21:00 – Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms

25:40 – SEO, AI, and the Future of Search

30:10 – Why Google Reviews Matter More Than You Think

33:50 – Email Marketing That Actually Works

38:20 – How to Write Emails People Open

41:20 – Why Consistency Beats Perfection

43:40 – Final Advice: Build It Right to Exit Right

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