Running ads can feel a little like gambling. You set a budget, launch a campaign, cross your fingers, and hope something good comes out of it. And when the results don’t come? That sinking feeling starts to creep in.
Where is my money going?
Why isn’t this working?
Should I just give up on ads altogether?
I get it because I’ve been there. I’ve run ads that flopped, watched my budget disappear into thin air, and spent way too much time trying to figure out where I went wrong. But once I cracked the code on what actually makes ads work, everything changed. My ads started converting, my budget stretched further, and I built a sales funnel that generated over $600K for just one of my products.
The truth is, ads can be wildly profitable—but only when you know what you’re doing. So today, I’m breaking down the three most costly ad mistakes entrepreneurs make—and exactly how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Running Ads Without a Clear Strategy
Too many business owners throw money at ads without a plan. They boost a post or run a campaign without thinking about why they’re doing it or what they want to achieve. But ads aren’t magic—you can’t just put money in and expect sales to roll out the other side.
What Happens When You Don’t Have a Strategy?
You waste money on ads that don’t convert.
You get random traffic that doesn’t actually buy.
You feel frustrated and convinced that ads “don’t work.”
The problem isn’t the ads themselves—it’s the lack of a clear strategy behind them. Ads should fit into a bigger marketing funnel that guides people from discovery to purchase.
What to Do Instead:
Define Your Goal – Before running an ad, ask yourself: What is the ONE thing I want this ad to accomplish? Are you trying to grow your email list? Sell a product? Get more traffic? Your ad should have a single, clear objective.
Know Your Customer Journey – Your ad should lead somewhere—whether it’s a high-converting landing page, an irresistible freebie, or a sales page designed to convert. A cold audience rarely buys immediately, so think about how your ad fits into their journey with your brand.
Use Targeting to Reach the Right People – The key to successful ads isn’t just getting in front of more people—it’s getting in front of the right people. Use interest-based and behavior-based targeting to reach those who are most likely to buy from you.
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Running ads can feel a little like gambling. You set a budget, launch a campaign, cross your fingers, and hope something good comes out of it. And when the results don’t come? That sinking feeling starts to creep in.
Where is my money going?
Why isn’t this working?
Should I just give up on ads altogether?
I get it because I’ve been there. I’ve run ads that flopped, watched my budget disappear into thin air, and spent way too much time trying to figure out where I went wrong. But once I cracked the code on what actually makes ads work, everything changed. My ads started converting, my budget stretched further, and I built a sales funnel that generated over $600K for just one of my products.
The truth is, ads can be wildly profitable—but only when you know what you’re doing. So today, I’m breaking down the three most costly ad mistakes entrepreneurs make—and exactly how to fix them.
Too many business owners throw money at ads without a plan. They boost a post or run a campaign without thinking about why they’re doing it or what they want to achieve. But ads aren’t magic—you can’t just put money in and expect sales to roll out the other side.
The problem isn’t the ads themselves—it’s the lack of a clear strategy behind them. Ads should fit into a bigger marketing funnel that guides people from discovery to purchase.
Define Your Goal – Before running an ad, ask yourself: What is the ONE thing I want this ad to accomplish? Are you trying to grow your email list? Sell a product? Get more traffic? Your ad should have a single, clear objective.
Know Your Customer Journey – Your ad should lead somewhere—whether it’s a high-converting landing page, an irresistible freebie, or a sales page designed to convert. A cold audience rarely buys immediately, so think about how your ad fits into their journey with your brand.
Use Targeting to Reach the Right People – The key to successful ads isn’t just getting in front of more people—it’s getting in front of the right people. Use interest-based and behavior-based targeting to reach those who are most likely to buy from you.
Even if you have the best strategy in the world, your ad won’t work if your creative and copy aren’t compelling. Your ad needs to stop the scroll and make people care. If your image is bland, your video is boring, or your copy doesn’t speak directly to your audience’s pain points, they’re going to scroll right past it.
Use High-Quality, Eye-Catching Visuals – If you’re using Pinterest ads, remember that Pinterest is a search engine for inspiration. Your visuals should be bright, clear, and engaging. Show a transformation or make it clear why your product or service is valuable.
Write Copy That Speaks Directly to Your Audience – Instead of saying “Check out my new course!”, say “Tired of throwing money at ads that don’t work? Here’s how to fix it.” See the difference? Your copy should address your audience’s pain points and position your offer as the solution.
Test Different Versions – Small tweaks can make a huge difference in performance. Try different images, headlines, and calls to action to see what resonates most with your audience.
Would you ever invest in something without checking to see if it’s working? Probably not. But that’s exactly what a lot of entrepreneurs do with ads. They set an ad live and then never check the data to see what’s working and what’s not.
The beauty of digital ads is that they give you data. But that data is useless if you’re not using it.
Check Your Metrics – Keep an eye on your click-through rates (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). If people aren’t clicking, your creative might need work. If they’re clicking but not converting, your landing page might need optimization.
Adjust as Needed – If an ad isn’t performing well, don’t panic—optimize that ad creative! Try tweaking your audience targeting, switching out your creative, or adjusting your copy. Small changes can make a big impact.
Double Down on What Works – If you find a winning ad, don’t just let it run—scale it! Increase your budget and keep testing small tweaks to make it even more profitable. And TURN OFF ads that are not performing so you can invest more of your budget on ads that are bringing in the best return.
Running ads doesn’t have to feel like throwing money into a black hole. When you avoid these costly mistakes and focus on strategy, creative, and tracking, your ads become a powerful tool for growth.
If you’re tired of guessing and want a proven system to run ads that actually get results, I’ve got you covered.
Inside my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course, I’ll show you exactly how I used Pinterest ads to generate over $600K. This isn’t just another course—it’s a step-by-step guide to:
Setting up ads the right way so you don’t waste money
Creating high-converting visuals and copy
Targeting the right audience (so you’re not shouting into the void)
Tracking and tweaking ads for real results
Ready to stop throwing money at ads that don’t work and start running ads that actually make you money?
👉 Check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Course
Because running ads should feel empowering—not stressful. Let’s make your ads work for you, not against you. I’ll teach you everything you need to know in under 90 minutes!
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If you have a business, you know creating content can feel like a full-time job. You pour your heart into writing that blog post, designing that Instagram carousel, or crafting the perfect email… and then what? You move on to the next thing, leaving all that hard work behind, never fully tapping into the power of repurposing content to make it work harder for you.
It’s not just about saving time (although that’s a huge bonus), it’s about stretching the life of your content so it reaches more people across different platforms. Because let’s face it — not everyone is seeing your content the first time around.
Ready to make your content hustle for you? Let’s dive into what repurposing content really means, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can do it right.
Did you know that 60% of marketers create at least one piece of content every day? (Source) That’s a lot of time and energy spent on creating — but what happens to that content after it’s published?
Most of the time, it gets buried. And that’s a missed opportunity.
Repurposing content allows you to take that blog post you spent hours on and turn it into:
The best part? You’re not starting from scratch.
You might be thinking: But won’t my audience get bored if I keep sharing the same thing?
Nope. The key is to present the content in different ways that feel fresh and relevant for each platform. Here’s how I personally love to repurpose my content:
I like to start out with a long-form blog post — it’s the foundation of everything. Once I’ve got that cornerstone piece, I create multiple Pinterest pins to drive long-term traffic (because Pinterest is a goldmine for evergreen content!). After that, I send out a newsletter to my email list, sharing the main takeaways and inviting them to dive deeper. And finally — the cherry on top — I turn that content into a few social media posts.
(Although, I’m currently taking a break from social media. But that’s usually how my repurposing funnel looks!)
The best part? It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a tool like Wordsmith to help you brainstorm content that stay true to your brand voice. (Learn more)
Here’s the thing: content on social media has a super short lifespan. According to research, the average lifespan of an Instagram post is about 48 hours. For TikTok? Even shorter. Facebook? A little longer, but still fleeting.
That’s why it’s so important to generate long-term traffic from platforms like Pinterest or SEO-optimized blog posts. These pieces of content keep working for you long after you hit publish — bringing in traffic, leads, and sales while you sleep.
If you’re only relying on social media, you’re missing out on that longevity. So, let’s make your content work harder and longer for you!
TikTok: 15-20 minutes
Instagram: 24-48 hours
X (formerly Twitter): 15-30 minutes
Facebook: 1-2 days
Pinterest: 4 months – years
Google (SEO-optimized content): Years
That’s why it’s so important to generate long-term traffic from platforms like Pinterest or SEO-optimized blog posts. These pieces of content keep working for you long after you hit publish — bringing in traffic, leads, and sales while you sleep.
If you’re only relying on social media, you’re missing out on that longevity. So, let’s make your content work harder and longer for you!
Still not convinced? Here’s why repurposing content is worth your time:
Your audience isn’t everywhere at once. Repurposing helps you reach people who missed your original post.
No need to reinvent the wheel. Repurpose what you’ve already created and get more mileage out of it.
Sharing your content in multiple ways shows you’re an expert in your field — without feeling repetitive.
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of repurposing? Don’t be. Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of repurposing? Don’t be. I created Wordsmith to help business owners — just like you — make content creation feel easier, more fun, and way more personalized. It’s not just about speeding up the process (although, yes please!). It’s about helping you show up in your most authentic voice.
And guess what? We’ve recently added multiple writing styles to choose from! You can even take a personalized quiz to create a custom writing style that’s uniquely you.
Seriously, it’s my favorite update so far — because no two businesses sound the same, and your content shouldn’t either.
👉 Learn more about Wordsmith here: modernmarket.co/wordsmith
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Are you ready to leverage the internet’s favorite search engine to generate an extra $10K+ in monthly revenue? In just 90 minutes, I’ll teach you the key strategies for setting up successful Pinterest ads and targeting your audience effectively. Connect with buyers who are looking for what you have to offer, and let’s 10X your traffic and sales!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SET UP PINTEREST ADS
I spent over 6 months without posting a single thing on social media—no Instagram reels, no Facebook updates, nothing. Just pure, unfiltered freedom and a whole lot of beautiful traffic and sales to show for it. 🎉
This wasn’t just a wild experiment; it was a game-changer for my business. I wanted to see if my business could thrive without the constant stress of social media algorithms. Spoiler alert: it’s still going great.
Here’s the powerhouse strategy: Pinterest Ads, my email list, and organic traffic.With Pinterest Ads, I drive targeted traffic straight to my site. My email list helps me build relationships and make sales without the algorithm stress. And organic traffic is the icing on the cake, thanks to smart SEO strategies.
Ready to learn how to set up your very own Ads?I’ve put together a 90-minute video tutorial on setting up Pinterest ads. This course will walk you through the entire process, showing you how to leverage Pinterest to generate an extra $10K+ in monthly revenue—all without the need for social media posts.With the right strategy, you can place your business right in front of people actively searching for what you offer.
Don’t wait – take control of your traffic and sales with Pinterest Ads. Let’s do this together!
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You might be wondering how to use pre-written Instagram captions for your business and if it’s possible to really create captions that work for your business. One of the most common questions I get from customers is: “Exactly how easy is it for me to tailor your Instagram captions to my business?”. That’s what one of my clients, Elise wanted to know, too.
But look what she has to say about using Wordsmith now:
“So happy I saw this on Pinterest! This whole platform is phenomenal, and the Instagram captions that come with it are so well done. I thought it would end up being short captions, but these captions are so much more than that. Plus, they are super easy to customize. I just started using it and already have planned out a whole month of content. (something that would typically take me more than a week to complete!) If you’re thinking about signing up – do it! “
Reviews like this are why I love what I love offering this membership so much.
Let me show you how it works. You might get an Instagram caption like this one:
And here are three examples of how three very different companies could customize it to make it perfectly suit their business:
And one last caption for fun. As I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my Athletic Greens, why not use them as an example?
See just how simple this one Instagram caption was to customize?
Best of all, each customized caption turned out to be unique. One of the biggest misconceptions about pre-written captions is that everyone will be posting the same captions. This is why I created captions that are easy to customize to who you are and what you have to offer. Therefore, no two people will end up posting the same caption.
Each caption is here to help you talk about who you are and what you have to offer and is incredibly easy to customize.
It’s important that I make this process as easy as possible for you because I want to help save you hours and improve your social media game without all of the frustration and anxiety you have writing posts alone.
Ready to learn a little more on how to customize these captions?
I’ve written a short, 5-minute article outlining the step-by-step approach you can take to easily customize our captions to fit your business that goes into a little more detail on using the right tone.
But if you’re an action taker ready to jump right in and give the Wordsmith membership a try, sign up today to get your free trial started HERE. Or head on over to the Wordsmith page to learn more about what you can expect.
You’ll get instant access to hundreds of professionally written Instagram captions you can use for your business + a social media marketing strategy built directly into the monthly content planner.
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There’s no question that social media can be a big help to your business, whether you’re trying to reach current customers or target new ones. There are also many people who say that social media takes up too much of their time, and they don’t feel like they get enough out of the time they spend on it to make it worthwhile. Here are five tips for spending less time on social media without missing out on all the great benefits as a business. These are the same tips I follow when it comes to all my businesses; Modern Market, Wordsmith & The Essential Studio Manager.
We live in a digital world. Most people use social media, so if you’re trying to grow your business, you have to be where your customers are: on social media. But there’s more to it than that. It’s no longer enough to just have a Facebook page and hope for people to like it and engage with it—you actually need content and strategies, or you risk losing valuable leads. Take some time out of your day and design a plan that will allow you to maximize your presence without wasting all of your time (or missing out on opportunities).
There are plenty of reasons why businesses (and individuals) create social media accounts. It’s a way to share content with your audience and spread your business’s name, establish yourself as an expert in your field, network with other businesses or people in your niche, even find a new employee. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with social media while running a business (particularly if you work solo), then it might be time to evaluate how much time you spend on these platforms and how you can still get all the benefits of using social media, without having to spend so much time on social media.
Content pillars are a core component of every successful social media strategy because they take the guesswork out of what to post, making it easy for you to stay on target and have fun with your content. Pillars are relevant topics and themes that keep your audience engaged. The content pillars I’ve always built my content around is:
1. Personal
2. Educational
3. Promotional
4. Engaging
5. Passion
Depending on what kind of business you have, you could adjust these content pillars, or change them to something more specific that your audience enjoys.
Write out a schedule for content creation and stick to it. Schedule your social media posts several days or weeks in advance. Utilize tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to plan content in advance and save yourself time. These apps allows you to create a queue of pre-written posts, which you can then schedule at different times over an extended period of time. This way you’re not having to do all the work on the go and can dedicate one day to plan and schedule all your content.
TIP: Just because you automate your posts doesn’t mean you can get away with not showing up online. I try to schedule my posts but then push the notification to my phone so I can post it manually and engage during the best time. Which is typically shortly after posting.
Let’s not forget one of the most important ways to participate in social media is to simply show up. Engaging with your audience requires you to use social media as a place for interaction and presence, even if it doesn’t directly lead to sales or customers. Using it only for promotion means you’re missing out on half of its value. Let’s not forget what makes social media great. It’s a place you can connect. Although I’m all for planning ahead and scheduling my posts in advance, one thing I won’t ever miss (or outsource) is the opportunity to show up and connect with real people.
Promoting your business or brand on social media is important, but it’s just one use of a diverse and valuable tool. You’ll get more out of it by showing up and connecting with people in your industry on a regular basis. Even if you’re not being asked for advice or solutions, being there to support and encourage others can help build relationships that lead to collaboration later. Sometimes all you need to start is an introduction, so never be afraid to say hi!
It’s obvious—email marketing is one of, if not THE, most effective ways to reach customers. If you’re hoping to spend less time on social media, then getting your email list started might also be a really great idea. I learned a valuable lesson after spending years building up my Facebook fan page (back when we could still reach our followers organically) and overnight losing that connection when Facebook pushed new changes on who saw our content. I promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake with Instagram or any other social media platform. Instead, I used social media but focused more on building my list. A direct connection to my customer and clients. Thanks to my list, I was also able to spend less time on social media, but still reach my audience directly anytime I sent an email. Email marketing is also just one piece of the marketing puzzle, but a piece that I truly enjoy utilizing.
Many entrepreneurs say that social media is addictive, and believe it’s holding them back from focusing on what really matters. By spending less time on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll be able to invest more time in other areas of your business—and get much more done in your day-to-day operations. Start by determining how much time you currently spend on social media each day, then figure out if that is the best way forward. Figure out how much time you really need to spend on social media, and then make that your goal. Often enough, when it comes to social media it’s easy to let those quick 5 minutes turn into two hours. By being more aware of how we spend our time on social media, we become more productive with how we spend our overall time.
Being on social media is important because it provides another way for people to engage with your brand and business. But just because social media plays a big role in how we market our business these days, doesn’t mean we should feel obligated to spend all our time on it. I’ve actually had more success with marketing by being less on social media because it’s allowed me to focus my time on other parts of my marketing strategy that so often got pushed to the side. Remember: Social media marketing is just one tiny piece of the marketing game. There are many other ways you can go about marketing your business. What’s most important is that you find a way to market your business in a way that you enjoy. If social media isn’t at the top of your list, then stop making it such a huge priority and instead focus on marketing you enjoy.
Thankfully, I specialize in creating social media captions that can easily be customized to who you are and what you do. They are perfect for any kind of business owner ready to start showing up online consistently.
I haven’t introduced myself on here for a while so I thought I’d do that again. A big warm hello to all of you My name is [name] and I’m the [girl, woman, man driving force, dreamer] behind [your business name].
When I was [age or time in your time] I fell in love with [what you do] after [an experience that helped you find your passion] and in [year you started your business] I decided to go for it and [your business name] was born.
I spend most of my days [what you typically do for your job] and love every minute of it. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it’s something I picture myself doing for years to come because it allows me to [your favorite part of what you do], and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
I’m also a [something else you are, parent, mom, occupation] and obsessed with [something you love to do, like spending time with your family, drawing, reading, etc.] in my free time.
I’d love to get to know you a little better, comment below and come say hello and tell me where you’re from, it’s always so much fun to see where everyone is!
What’s the number one thing you look for when you’re searching for the perfect [enter your job title]? Is it [list a few things like price, style, location, personality, etc]? If you’ve been looking for a [your job title] you’ve probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming at times and I’m here to help you in your search with my 5 best tips on finding the perfect [your job title]!
[offer tips to help them in their search. ex; if you’re a photographer you might mention that they should view their portfolio to see if they have the right style, or that cheaper prices can sometimes be a red flag]
1. [Tip number one]
2. [Tip number two]
3. [Tip number three]
4. [Tip number four]
5. [Tip number five]
I hope these little tips help you with your search. If you’d love to talk more about hiring me as your [job title] then shoot me a message! I have a few [available appointments, spots, sessions, etc] in the next [week, month, year] and would love to send you some more information to see if we’d be a great fit!
I’d love to know; where are you from? There are so many new faces, and it’s always fun to see where everyone is located! Most of you probably know, but I live in [your current location] and have been calling this beautiful place home for [how many years you’ve lived there].
Near or far, comment and below and let me know where you’re from!
You can get a whole month’s worth of social media captions when you sign up for the free trial for Wordsmith. A platform dedicated to helping business owners create great content. I publish new content for you to use every single month!
If you’re a business owner, spend less time on social media without missing out on any of its benefits and be more productive with how you use social media to grow your business. This will in turn help build your brand and give you back valuable time. Start by creating daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly goals for yourself on social media so that you can track your results over time. You don’t need to spend hours each day managing your social media pages. Sometimes it comes down to using these marketing tools more efficiently to get the most out of them.
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I’ve always been one of those people who wanted to do as much as possible, as fast as possible. Which sounds great in theory but doesn’t actually work so well in practice. Over the years, I’ve learned the value of batch working. Which has helped me become significantly more efficient in my workflow. Now I have far more time available to dedicate to the things that really matter.
In the world of startups and entrepreneurs, working longer hours means you’re working harder. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting more done or spending your time in the most effective way possible. In fact, working too much can become counterproductive. As your brain will start to lose focus, and you’ll waste time on unnecessary activities. (Like checking your Facebook notifications or refreshing Instagram). If you want to be productive, learn how to batch work. This way you’ll get more done each day with less stress and fatigue.
Entrepreneurs are well-known for working long hours—and that’s a good thing. But, entrepreneurs often struggle with not enough time in the day. They often find themselves not getting enough time for other important things. (Like sleep or exercise, and not spending enough time with family and friends). However, entrepreneurs can learn to manage their time better.
Here’s how: By learning how to batch work.
In a time where everyone is expected to be available all of the time, batch working can give you valuable control over how much work you take on in a given period. If you’re strapped for time and need more things done in less time, batch working is an excellent way to get stuff done. This also frees up your mental capacity so that when you are not on duty for one specific task, you can focus on other aspects of your business. Here’s what we mean:
Let’s say you find yourself spending a lot of time doing many tasks throughout your workday; you bounce from checking emails to a client call, then work on a new blog article, jump on IG or Facebook for a few minutes, all while searching the internet for something you need. You’re doing A LOT all at once every day.
Batch work, on the other hand, divides specific time-consuming tasks (like checking your emails, responding to clients or writing IG captions) into a set time frame. During this time, you focus only on that one task.
By dedicating time to doing only one thing, you become more focus and more efficient in the work you do.
For my business, I’ve learned to batch work for many different things. One of the main ones is writing social media captions. Something that used to take me so much time! As someone who writes social media content for others (in the Curated Captions Membership). I’ve learned that I write better when I have a set amount of time to just sit and write and really focus only on that one thing. I turn off my phone and remove all other distractions. Instead of writing one caption per day, I spend a few hours and write ALL captions for the months. Now that task is not something I need to do daily, and the work I produce is far better because it was created with 100% of my attention.
The idea of batch working involves breaking down work into manageable chunks. Business owners who successfully incorporate batch working into their schedule say they now spend less time worrying about their to-do list and more time actually getting things done. It’s a matter of learning how to manage your energy rather than an endless stream of tasks. It may be tough in the beginning—and definitely requires some discipline—but after a few weeks or months, you’ll likely begin to notice that you have days where you just get loads done with very little procrastination.
This is when you schedule chunks of time for specific tasks. The idea behind it is that if you block off time for each task, you can accomplish more during your workday since you’re not trying to multi-task or manage distractions. Block off uninterrupted times in your calendar specifically for certain activities. Schedule appointments with yourself, basically. If there are times during your day where you tend to get distracted or find yourself unproductive, blocking them out could help keep you on track. For me, time blocking & batch editing go hand in hand.
Entrepreneurs are often so busy jumping from one thing to another that they don’t even realize when they might be falling behind. Using time-blocking in your schedule allows you to see exactly how much time you’re spending on each task, and when you can allocate more time to something that needs it. When used alongside batch working, entrepreneurs can be more efficient at work than ever before!
How you can batch work and get more done in less time
There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to how you want to manage your time and still get a lot done. Find a method that works for you and stick with it. For example, say you check email only one time per day—during the morning. Keep that routine daily (or weekly, or monthly depending on what the task is).
You’ve heard of The 4-Hour Workweek—but what about a 4-hour workday? What if instead of working for eight hours, you worked just four hours in the morning, leaving the rest of your day free for personal activities or even working on another project? It might sound crazy at first, but batching can save you an incredible amount of time—and could be one of your best tools for moving forward in reaching your biggest goals!
Speaking of getting more done in less time, I have plenty of resources to help you with your business. If you’re interested in becoming my newest client (and letting me write ALL your IG captions every month), then head on over to the Wordsmith to learn more!
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When it comes to the world of marketing and advertising, we’re lucky to live in a time where we don’t just have to depend on word of mouth. We can use modern tools like social media to reach thousands of people from around the world. All with just a click of a button.
If you run a business, you probably spend a great deal of time coming up with content to share and know the struggle of content creation. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to say to place yourself as an expert in your industry, so potential clients and customers are eager to hire and buy from you.
So let me let you in on a little secret…
When it comes to social media, it’s not about constantly selling and promoting what you have to offer.
Instead, it’s a place to build a connection.
A place where people get to know you more, learn from you, see what you do and what you have to offer. It’s so much more than a platform to sell. When you start using it as a tool to connect, you’ll see the sales and booking begin to come naturally.
You might wonder why that is…
When you can build a personal connection and create trust, you no longer have to “sell” yourself to potential clients and customers in order to grow your business. Instead, you can use tools like social media to connect with the right people. By having an open conversation, they will naturally learn more about what you do.
The best thing you can do for your business is offer value to those who need it the most. The truth is, I’ve never liked the idea of ‘selling’ to clients and customers. Instead, I love to see it as me educating them about a problem I can help solve and showing them how to do that.
Here’s a quick example.
Wordsmith is a membership of professionally written social media captions for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can sign up for free and get the first month’s worth of captions for free to see if it’s the right fit. If they choose to stay, they automatically get new captions, delivered every single month.
Our software helps photographers and entrepreneurs with clients manage all aspects of their business. And our beautiful presets help others edit their photos. These presets help create their dream style with just a click of a button.
For me, it’s never about selling, it’s about offering a solution.
If you haven’t already, take time to think about the problems your business solves for others. How you can change the conversation from selling to having the perfect solution to someone’s problem. When it comes to getting more sales, more clients, or more customers, it comes down to building more connections with people. People who need exactly what you have to offer.
That leads to more traffic to your business.
The #1 traffic referrer for my business is direct traffic. And there’s not a great deal someone can do to alter those numbers. The second leading referrer has always been social media. With over six figures made directly from clients and customers finding me via social media alone, it plays a vital role in my business marketing strategy. Lucky for us, the amount of traffic we get from social media IS something we can alter significantly with the right strategy.
Using social media to book more clients, get more customers, or sell more products is 100% possible. But you have to build your foundation on connection instead of selling. A great way to do exactly that is by using the 5-point strategy, which covers not just promoting your business but other important topics you can use to connect with ideal customers and clients. I’ve used this exact strategy for years, and it’s worked incredibly well.
If you’re ready for more, I recently created a guide going over my entire Social Media Marketing Strategy. I even included some of the social media captions from our Curated Captions membership. You can jump right in and see for yourself how easy it is to use the power of social media to scale your business!
You can download the complete guide for free HERE.
It’s loaded with helpful tips and tricks, and absolutely perfect for anyone who’s ready to start using a social media strategy that will actually help them grow their business.
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An open community that’s built around your brand is the hub for ALL, and I hope that more business owners realize just how powerful communities can be. Maybe by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be inspired to start your own community too. Here’s how to grow your community online.
If you have a business, you might be wondering how to start, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite tips on doing exactly that. This way, just like me, you’ll have amazing people who are delighted to be part of what you’re doing.
I’m talking about loyal people who value what you do, are excited about the things you are working on, and are the first in line to sign up or purchase your service or product. You are there for them, and they are there for you. I believe all business owners deserve to have that because let me tell you; it makes the world of working for yourself a whole lot more fun!
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Let’s define community first; a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
I have this sense of community woven into my business. On my website, social media, the newsletter, you can find it everywhere. Truth be told, I actually love the fact that I have a business that’s not all about ‘me’. It’s about the resources I share to help others. Creating a community feel around my business has always come very natural, because I personally want to include others in what I do. Over the years, I’ve used social media to connect to people, but quickly realized that the conversation can sometimes feel a little one sided.
The whole concept of speaking at people, rather than with people. If you have a business, with social media you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
Now, don’t get me wrong. ALL these are forms of communities and a chance to connect with people, and that’s what makes them great. They are platforms built for you to share what you are most passionate about.
BUT…if we’re all being honest, it often feels like we’re standing on a stage speaking AT people rather than WITH people.
When I think of the word community, I think of like-minded people being together. Chatting about the things we care about and sharing things we love. It’s a busy, welcoming place to be and feels like our favorite place to hang out with people who simply get it because we have things in common.
For the sake of keeping things focused, I want to teach you how to build a community. A place for your ideal customers/clients to hang out and spend time. Where you can share the things you’re passionate about with people who care and connect with them on a personal level. Where you can have open conversations with people rather than being the sole speaker.
Maybe you’ve thought about starting one. Perhaps you already have one but are struggling to get it to grow with the right people. If that’s the case, I’m excited you’re here because I’m about to tell you everything you need to know to build your very own Facebook group community.
You’re probably wondering; How the heck do you build an online community around what you do, and have it grow into a space for you, your business, and those who will become some of your loyalist supporters?
I’m here to tell you, and it’s actually a lot easier than you might think!
The first thing you need to do is figure out the focus of your group. If you have a business or a passion, you probably already know what you’d like the focus on. Ideally, you want to create a space where you can connect with people who care about what you do, the service you offer, or the products you sell.
What kind of community do you envision?
If you had to choose three topics as the focus, what would they be?
How will the focus benefit those in the group? How will it benefit you and your business?
For a moment, I want you to imagine that you had 10,000 members in your group. What kind of guidelines would you want in place? This will be your group, and you’ll be in charge of making sure that this space is the kind of space people want to spend time. Think about the groups you’re currently in. What kind of posts do you enjoy, and which ones make you want to leave?
Some of my guidelines are (and you’re totally welcome to copy paste these for your own group guidelines!)
You probably noticed, but it’s VERY important for me to build a community that is a welcoming space for everyone. I want people to be able to learn, grow, and share what they love. I’m proud to say I get raves about it being exactly that all the time, and I couldn’t be prouder.
When someone joins the group and is quick to judge, bash, or be negative towards other members, they quickly end up leaving because they learn that my group isn’t the space for that. Even with a group with over 16,000 members, this happens maybe once a year…if that. I’m telling ya…it’s a whole lot of sweet people in my group.
Think about guidelines/rules as a way to ensure that the people in your group will remain happy there in the long run. Focus on what guidelines you feel are most important, and you’ll see how over time, those core values of a group just become stronger and stronger.
You’re going to want to come up with a game plan for content because let me tell you, being a group, where no one is active is not very much fun. The more active your group is, the faster it will grow. People enjoy spending time with other like-minded creatives, and a community group is a perfect place for that.
The best advice I have for your group is to come up with your content posts ahead of time. Post them in the group, even when there aren’t a lot of people. It might feel funny at first with a smaller group, but I promise, if you continue posting, others will as well.
Make a list of 7 types of posts, then use this as your weekly guide.
This could look something like
Of course, you can alter these to match your services and products and create an environment for your community to engage and connect with topics that align with what you and your business are all about.
Once you’ve started a group, you’ll need to start telling people about it. You can post about your group and invite people using your current social accounts or newsletters. Since groups have a much higher organic reach, they work better than Facebook pages and Instagram pages so it’s not a bad idea to try and get your followers/customers/clients into your group.
Now, this is often the tricky part of groups. Getting the engagement up. The truth is this; you’re group MIGHT be slow to start, and that’s ok. Consider it more like a very private hang out for your favorite people. I promise if you stick with it, it will grow, and engagement will go up as well. In no time, you’ll have a group filled with people who love what you have to offer.
Now, as time goes by, don’t be afraid to revisit your focus. It’s normal and perfectly ok for you, your business, your vision, and your group to adjust as time passes by. Take notice of what people are posting in the group. What are the hot topics, and how have you been able to help those in your community the most? Try to incorporate these into your focus moving forward.
Continue to grow your group and make sure to invite those that find you elsewhere to join you there. When it comes to social media, I put the most effort into growing my Facebook group. Even though it has fewer people than my Instagram and Facebook, it outperforms organic reach by a long shot.
The backbone of my business marketing all comes down to my email list. Of course, I love my Facebook group, and social media pages, but since it’s not something I can control (Dear Mark could literally change the rules on all of us tomorrow), I always make sure to maximize the way I grow my email list. An easy way to do this is to include a freebie in the questions they have to answer so you can welcome your new members with a nice freebie, while at the same time growing your email list as your community grows!
So if you’re ready to start building your community with people who genuinely care about what you do, then start your community group today! You’ll be so happy that you did. Interested in learning more about Facebook group?
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There was a time when my life was an open book. When every milestone, every messy, beautiful moment of motherhood, and every behind-the-scenes detail of my business felt like something I should be sharing online. After all, isn’t that how we connect? By letting people in, by showing them the real and the raw?
But over the years, I started questioning how much of my life I really wanted to put on display. What parts were mine to share, and what parts deserved to be kept sacred? More importantly, I began to feel the weight of an unspoken pressure—the pressure to share it all.
In the world of online business and social media, we’re told that transparency is key. That the more we share, the more relatable we become. And honestly? There’s a lot of truth to that. I’ve always been drawn to creators who share candidly, who make you feel like you’re sitting across from them with a warm cup of coffee, chatting about life and business.
But somewhere along the way, I started to wonder—where do we draw the line between connection and overexposure? At what point does sharing shift from feeling empowering to feeling like an invasion of our own privacy?
For me, that realization hit hardest when it came to my children. Especially as they grew older and more aware.
Motherhood is a huge part of my life. It has shaped me in ways I never expected, and it influences how I run my business every single day. But when it comes to what I share online, I’ve made an intentional choice: my kids are not part of my content online.
Here’s why:
Their privacy comes first. They didn’t choose to have their lives shared online, and I want to give them the space to grow up without a digital footprint they had no say in creating.
Motherhood is part of me, but it’s not my whole business. I can share about my experiences as a mother without making my children the focus of my content.
I want to be present in real life, not just for the content. When I stopped documenting everything, I found myself actually living in the moment instead of thinking about how to share it.
My social presence is about my life and work. I try to make it a reflection of who I am as an individual rather than centering it around my children. If my kids grow up and choose to use social media, that will be their decision to make, not mine to impose upon them now.
Before I built this business, I was a photographer. My love for photography was deeply rooted in motherhood—it was how I documented the fleeting moments, the quiet details, and the stories I never wanted to forget. Becoming a mother made me want to hold onto everything, to freeze time in a way that felt permanent. It also made me want to share that beauty with others, which led me to photography as a profession.
But as the years passed, I became increasingly aware of the security concerns of sharing too much online. I saw stories of digital privacy breaches, of images being used without permission, of families unknowingly giving up control over their personal lives. And that awareness made me pause.
I realized that, as much as I loved documenting my life, the best parts of it were the ones I wanted to keep private. My marriage. My four children. The small, sacred moments that made up the heart of my world. These weren’t things I wanted to turn into content—they were things I wanted to cherish, away from the spotlight.
Now, as both a business owner and a mother, I am constantly trying to find that balance between sharing enough to connect with my audience and keeping the most precious parts of my life private. It’s not always easy. There are moments when I second-guess myself, wondering if I should be sharing more. If my audience needs to see more of my life to truly relate to me. But I also recognize that it’s not all black and white—what feels right today might evolve over time. The boundaries I have now may shift as my perspective changes, and that’s okay. It’s less about rigid rules and more about being aware of what I share online, particularly when it comes to my children. The more I navigate this space, the more I understand that balance isn’t about perfection, but about making intentional choices that align with my values.
I also recognize that my choice isn’t the right one for everyone. Some business owners feel comfortable sharing their families online, and that’s okay. We all get to decide what feels right for us. For me, it means showing up in my business while making an active choice to protect my children’s privacy.
If you’re a business owner struggling with how much to share online, know that you can build a strong, engaged brand without putting your entire life on display. Here’s what’s helped me:
Share your perspective, not your entire life. You can talk about your experiences, your lessons, and your journey without revealing deeply personal details.
Set boundaries that feel right for you. Maybe you’re comfortable sharing certain aspects of your life but not others. Define what’s off-limits and stick to it.
Lean into storytelling. You don’t have to share everything to create a real connection. It’s about how you tell your story, not how much of it you reveal. Getting creative with the type of photos you share can also make a difference. Faceless content, candid shots, and unique angles allow you to share visual moments without revealing too much. It’s possible to create meaningful imagery that represents your life and work while still maintaining boundaries that feel comfortable for you.
Focus on value-driven content. Your audience follows you for a reason—whether it’s insights, inspiration, or guidance. They don’t need to know every detail of your life to feel connected to you.
I used to worry that I wasn’t sharing enough. Now, I know that I’m sharing what feels right. I show up in a way that aligns with my values, keeps my family safe, and still allows me to connect with my audience in a meaningful way.
The truth is, what feels right for me may not be what’s right for someone else—and that’s okay. We each get to make that choice. For me, that choice means being able to share my personal life without needing to post about my marriage or my children. The best parts of my life are kept just for us.
If you’ve ever struggled with the balance of sharing and privacy as an entrepreneur, just know—you don’t have to share it all to be authentic. You get to decide what feels good, what aligns with your values, and what works for you.
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Content Prompt: I know firsthand how tough it is to build [specific result] on your own—I’ve been in those shoes, trying to piece it all together. That’s exactly why I created [your service/product]—so you don’t have to go at it alone. Let’s make this easier, together.
This one? It’s personal. The Relatable Empathy formula is the one I keep coming back to, over and over again. Why? Because every product, every offer, every single thing I’ve ever created has come from a place of knowing the struggle firsthand.
I don’t have to sell what I create—I simply share the story behind why I built it. Because I get it. And I know you do, too.
Here’s how it works:
Why it works: When people see themselves in your story, they trust you. You’re not just another business owner trying to make a sale; you’re someone who understands and is here to help. And that? That’s everything.
Write a [social media, blog, newsletter] that shares a personal story about why I created my service. Highlight the struggles I experienced, how my service solves those issues, and include a CTA inviting readers to partner with me.
New to Wordsmith? Here’s the deal—Wordsmith helps you take content prompts like this one and turn them into polished, on-brand content in seconds. Whether you need a blog post, a newsletter, or social media captions, Wordsmith does the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
Here’s how to bring the “Stop Doing It Alone” prompt to life:
To make this prompt powerful, focus on these key details:
Once you have these answers, your post will feel real, relatable, and genuine. And that’s the kind of content that builds trust and gets people saying yes.
I wish something like this had existed when I started.
I remember sitting at my desk, feeling completely overwhelmed. I knew I needed to show up online, market my business, and create content that actually connected with my audience. But where was I supposed to start? What was I even supposed to say?
So I did what most of us do—I tried to figure it out alone. I wasted hours second-guessing every post, staring at blank screens, and feeling like I was always behind. And let me tell you, that wasn’t working.
That’s why I created Wordsmith. Because I know what it’s like to feel stuck, and I never want another business owner to feel that way. When I built Wordsmith, I set out to create something that would help me with content creation—captions that were ready to go, ideas I could use so I never had to sit at my desk wondering what to say. But as I built it, I realized it was about so much more. I learned how to create a strategy that makes content creation easier for business owners, helping them show up with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Today, creating content is one of my favorite parts of my business. And the best part? I get to share that with others who feel stuck, who just need a little help, and who are so ready to show up for their audience in a way that finally feels easy and aligned.
I built this for me—but I also built it for you.
You don’t have to do it alone. I built Wordsmith for people just like you—so you can create with confidence and finally feel excited about showing up online. Sign up today and let’s make content creation feel effortless again.
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If you’ve ever opened Instagram, stared at the blank caption box, and thought, What do I even say today?—you’re not alone. Social media is supposed to help grow your business, but when you don’t have a clear plan, it quickly turns into another overwhelming task on your to-do list.
I get it. You’re not just running a business—you’re wearing all the hats. You’re serving clients, answering emails, managing finances, and somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re expected to show up online, create engaging content, and keep your brand fresh and visible. But without a plan, posting becomes inconsistent, and before you know it, weeks go by, and your audience starts to forget about you.
Here’s the truth: Most entrepreneurs don’t struggle with social media because they don’t want to show up—they struggle because they don’t know how. They don’t know what to post, how to keep it engaging, or how to create a content strategy that actually works.
Does this sound familiar?
You sit down to write a post, and suddenly your brain is blank. What do people even want to hear from you? What if it doesn’t resonate? What if no one cares?
You’re stuck in a cycle of inconsistency. Some weeks you post daily, other times you disappear for days (or weeks) because you just don’t have the bandwidth.
You feel like you’re just throwing content into the void. You spend time creating posts, but the engagement is low, and it feels like no one is really listening.
You want to sound like YOU but aren’t sure how. Other people seem to have a polished, natural brand voice, but every time you try, it feels forced or awkward.
You don’t have time to figure out a strategy. You’re busy actually running your business—social media shouldn’t be a full-time job.
What if, instead of scrambling to come up with ideas on the spot, you had a proven plan? What if you could sit down, batch your content in one go, and feel completely confident that your posts were strategic, engaging, and designed to actually grow your business?
That’s exactly why I built Wordsmith—because I know that having a plan changes everything.
Wordsmith isn’t just another tool—it’s a complete strategy, designed for entrepreneurs who want to show up consistently without spending hours creating content.Know Exactly What to Post
No more second-guessing or wasting time brainstorming ideas. I built Wordsmith because I know that content creation shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle. With curated prompts, templates, and AI-generated captions that truly sound like you, you’ll never wonder what to post again. Instead of struggling to find the right words, you’ll have a steady flow of ideas at your fingertips.
Stay Consistent Without the Stress: Social media isn’t effective if you show up inconsistently. But let’s be real—staying consistent is hard when you’re running a business. Wordsmith makes it effortless by helping you batch-create content in advance, so even on your busiest days, your brand is still visible and engaging with your audience. Imagine the relief of knowing your content is ready to go while you focus on what matters most.
Write in a Way That Feels Authentic: You don’t want to sound like a robot. You don’t want to use cookie-cutter captions that feel generic. I built Wordsmith to ensure your content feels like you—personal, real, and aligned with your brand voice. Whether you’re witty, professional, heartfelt, or conversational, Wordsmith adapts, so your audience feels a genuine connection every time you post.
Repurpose Like a Pro: Why create content from scratch every single time when you can make one idea work across multiple platforms? Wordsmith helps you transform one post into an Instagram caption, Facebook update, newsletter, or blog, ensuring your message reaches the widest audience possible—without additional effort. More impact, less stress.
Save Time & Reduce Burnout: Your time is valuable, and content creation shouldn’t take over your life. Wordsmith cuts down the time you spend brainstorming, writing, and second-guessing so you can focus on growing your business. Instead of feeling drained by social media, you’ll feel empowered by it. Imagine having a system that works for you, not against you. That’s exactly what Wordsmith was designed to do.
The truth is, social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you have a clear plan and the right tools to support you, you’ll feel confident, in control, and excited to show up online.
And that’s what Wordsmith gives you—a real plan. A step-by-step strategy that takes the mystery out of content creation and makes it simple. No more guessing. No more scrambling last minute. Just a proven system designed to help you show up with confidence, connect with your audience, and grow your business.
So if you’re tired of struggling with what to post, if you’re ready to finally have a strategy instead of winging it, if you just want content creation to be easier—this is your moment.
This isn’t just another tool; it’s the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for. Try Wordsmith today and take back your time!
👉 Try Wordsmith today and take back your time!
You have something incredible to share. Let’s make sure your message gets heard—without all the stress.
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Content Prompt: “Working with [your business] isn’t just about [surface-level benefit]—it’s about gaining [unexpected benefit or transformation]. If you’re ready for results that go deeper, let’s get started today!”
Sometimes, the biggest game-changers are the ones we didn’t see coming. That’s why this formula works so well—it shifts the focus from the expected to the extraordinary. Instead of just talking about the obvious perks of working with you, this formula helps uncover the deeper, more meaningful transformations your clients experience.
Here’s how it works:
Why it works: People expect results, but when they discover that your service changes more than just the obvious, that’s when the magic happens. It builds trust, deepens connections, and turns customers into lifelong fans.
Write a blog post that highlights the unexpected benefits of working with me. Share examples of how clients’ lives or businesses have transformed beyond what they anticipated, and end with a CTA encouraging action.
Here’s how to bring the “What You’ll Gain” prompt to life:
To make this prompt powerful, focus on these key details:
Once you have these answers, your post will feel real, relatable, and compelling to your audience.
New to Wordsmith? Here’s the deal—Wordsmith helps you take content prompts like this one and turn them into polished, on-brand content in seconds. Whether you need a blog post, a newsletter, or social media captions, Wordsmith does the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
I usually keep these super short, more like a social media caption, but wanted to show you that you can easily use Wordsmith to write newsletters too. *I used my personal writing style which you can get right inside the Wordsmith dashboard when taking the personlized quiz. 🖤
Subject Line: No more 11 PM content panic posts
Preview Text: If you’ve ever scrambled for something to post at the last minute, this one’s for you.
Email Body: Be honest with me — how many times have you found yourself staring at your screen at 11 PM, knowing you should post something but having absolutely no idea what to say? Maybe you throw together a quick caption, maybe you skip posting altogether (again), and maybe—just maybe—you wonder if showing up online is supposed to feel this exhausting.
If that’s you, friend, you’re not alone.
For so many business owners, content creation feels like a never-ending game of catch-up. You know you need to post, but between client work, life, and, well… literally everything else, creating content often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. And when you finally do sit down to write, the blank page stares back at you like a judgmental reminder of how long it’s been since your last post.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way?
Imagine this: Instead of scrambling for ideas at the last minute, you have a clear content plan mapped out for you. You know exactly what to post, when to post it, and how it fits into your bigger marketing strategy. No more guessing. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall. No more posting just to post.
With Wordsmith, content creation becomes easy. Like sit down with your coffee, pop in a prompt, and let the magic happen easy.
It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Instead of reinventing the wheel every single time you need a post, Wordsmith takes one idea and turns it into a blog post, a newsletter, and multiple social media captions—all in your brand voice, all designed to connect with your audience.
Suddenly, instead of frantically trying to come up with something clever at the last minute, you’re scheduling content in advance. You’re showing up consistently. You’re building relationships instead of playing the engagement game. And best of all? You’re marketing your business in a way that feels good.
Because let’s be honest—your audience can tell when you’re just posting for the sake of posting. And they can definitely tell when you’re showing up with intention, sharing content that actually speaks to them.
When you shift from scrambling to strategy, a few things start to happen:
✔️ You gain confidence—knowing your content is thoughtfully planned and aligns with your bigger business goals.
✔️ You create more impact—because you’re not just posting; you’re connecting, educating, and building trust.
✔️ You actually enjoy marketing—yes, it’s possible! When content creation stops feeling like a chore, you want to show up.
This is your sign to stop waiting until the last second and start creating content with ease. Wordsmith is here to help you go from scattered to strategic—without the stress, without the overwhelm, and without the late-night posting panic.
Let’s make content creation fun again. Sign up for Wordsmith today and start showing up like the confident CEO you are.
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Multi-passionate, founder of multiple companies, mama of four, obsessed with all things business, marketing, and passive income. My goal is to give you the strategies and tools to grow your business so you can save time, get real results, and focus on what matters most.
Turn your ideas into powerful content that speaks to your audience—from social media to email marketing and beyond. It’s not just AI; it’s your voice, but better.
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